Welcome / Fáilte Romhat!

The Franciscan Abbey in Multyfarnham was founded in 1268 and continues to be an active centre of Franciscan mission in Ireland.  The only Franciscan Abbey in Ireland still standing on the footprint of its original foundation, the Franciscan fraternity continues its commitment of service from this special place.

St Patrick’s Day

We wish to advise that our Mass on St Patrick’s Day will be at 10:30am.  As usual, you can participate via our webcam service if you are unable to be here in person with us.

Change to our Mass Schedule on Saturday

Please note that 9:00am Mass on Saturday, March 18 HAS BEEN CANCELLED.

No other Masses are affected.  On Saturday, March 18, we will have the usual 7:00pm Vigil Mass for Sunday.

We aplogise for any inconvience.

Headlines

On being ambitious for the higher gifts

In this reflection on the Gospel for the third week of Lent, Fr Kieran considers the text of St Matthew’s Gospel and the story about the mother of the sons of Zebedee (Mt 20:17-28). Their mother (we don’t know her name) makes a request of Jesus, that her sons be allowed to sit on his right and on his left. While this request upset the other apostles, Jesus reminded them (us!) what the true request must be, viz. to serve and not to be served.

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The Rebellion of 1641, the Friary, its people and lands

Our historian, Paschal Sweeney, offers another fascinating insight into the history of the friary and the friars here at Multyfarnham. In this piece, Paschal looks at the years in and around 1641, a time when the friary would seem to have been at the centre of so much that was going on and a centre of Franciscan influence in Ireland.

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Lent – a time of personal retreat

As we commence the season of Lent, Fr Kieran encourages us to see this as a time of personal and communal retreat. A good outcome in most situations usually depends on good preparation and so it is with Lent and with our preparation for Easter. This time of retreat allows us to reflect on that ever-present gap between our present imperfect situation and the place God is calling us to be.

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Latest Updates

Participating online via our webcam

We invite you to join us via our webcam for all of our services here in the Friary church.  These include our weekday Mass with the Franciscan Community, Sunday Mass (and Vigil Mass on Saturday evening) and our very popular Novena Mass to St Anthony, which is...

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News

On being ambitious for the higher gifts

“Be ambitious for the higher gifts.” These words of St Paul were addressed originally to the Christians in Corinth who were obsessed with spiritual gifts such as speaking in tongues and prophecy. However, these gifts were dividing the community rather than building it...

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Lent – a time of personal retreat

At Mass on Ash Wednesday I suggested to the congregation in Multy and to those joining on webcam that we might regard the season of Lent as a time of personal and communal retreat. Later that morning I was in the Mercy Convent in Longford celebrating Mass for the...

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Prayer of Spiritual Communion

Lord Jesus Christ, gracious healer of our bodies, minds, and souls, we thank you for the healing power that comes through our reception of you in Holy Communion. In our sometimes feverish lifestyle, when we get all hot and bothered, daily Mass assures us that you are...

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About Safeguarding in Multyfarnham

Here in Multyfarnham, we greatly value the very many people who support our work and especially, the presence of those who visit, whether to attend Mass, avail of the sacrament of reconciliation (confession), to pray, to walk through our beautiful grounds, or for such...

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From the desk of Fr Kieran OFM

On being ambitious for the higher gifts

In this reflection on the Gospel for the third week of Lent, Fr Kieran considers the text of St Matthew’s Gospel and the story about the mother of the sons of Zebedee (Mt 20:17-28). Their mother (we don’t know her name) makes a request of Jesus, that her sons be allowed to sit on his right and on his left. While this request upset the other apostles, Jesus reminded them (us!) what the true request must be, viz. to serve and not to be served.

read more

Lent – a time of personal retreat

As we commence the season of Lent, Fr Kieran encourages us to see this as a time of personal and communal retreat. A good outcome in most situations usually depends on good preparation and so it is with Lent and with our preparation for Easter. This time of retreat allows us to reflect on that ever-present gap between our present imperfect situation and the place God is calling us to be.

read more

Living in God’s creation – without risk?

In his latest reflection, Kieran explores the story of creation, especially the second chapter of Genesis that focuses almost totally on the creation of humanity, with Adam first, then followed by animals and then finally by Eve, whereas the first chapter places the creation of humanity in a list of other creatures, which appear to dwarf the human with their great variety and colour, even though the first humans are said to be made in the image and likeness of God! So if, as we hear frequently in the first chapter the phrase “And God saw that it was good”, implying a sense of order and harmony, we may legitimately ask, in the context of contemporary news, “Where do earthquakes come from?” In the mixed blessing that is human freedom, God places risk at the heart of his creation. Living is a risky business! We live in God’s creation where risk is not necessarily a bad thing. It keeps us on our toes, keeps us humble and ultimately demands trust in God’s providence, even when terrible earthquakes happen.

read more

The Rebellion of 1641, the Friary, its people and lands

Our historian, Paschal Sweeney, offers another fascinating insight into the history of the friary and the friars here at Multyfarnham. In this piece, Paschal looks at the years in and around 1641, a time when the friary would seem to have been at the centre of so much that was going on and a centre of Franciscan influence in Ireland.

Brother Mícheál Ó’Cléirigh OFM at Multyfarnham Friary (1590-1643)

Paschal tells us about the great Brother Mícheál Ó’Cléirigh OFM and the famous Annals of the Four Masters

Respite and Revival at Multyfarnham

Read here the latest part of the historical story of the Multyfarnham Friary, whose history dates back to 1268.

The Flight of the Earls and Multyfarnham Friary

In September 1607 Bishop Brady died in Multyfarnham Friary. In accordance with his own wishes his body was laid to rest in the cloister, the burial place of the friars, and immediately under the door that led to into the church. The exact location of his grave, like...

The Friars Return (Following the October 1601 raid and plunder by Sir Francis Shane)

Before the end of the year 1601, the friars returned to their ancient home, now a gaunt ruin. Desolation had fallen upon the Friary of Multyfarnham. Without roof, doors, or windows, silent and lonely the wind swept through, and rain soaked the charred limestone walls....