Celebrations on Sunday to mark 200th anniversary of Dysart church

The bicentenary of the establishment of Dysart Catholic Church in South Roscommon is to be celebrated on Sunday.

This Sunday, August 24, people from near and far will converge on Dysart to join with parishioners marking the two-hundredth anniversary of the church.

Dysart Catholic Church which is part of the united parishes of Ballyforan, Dysart and Tisrara was built in 1825, at a time when the nation was still burdened by the harsh legacies of the Penal Laws and emerging from centuries of religious suppression.

The church building was initially a modest, rectangular barn structure. It was built not just of stone and timber, but of the unwavering devotion of a deeply committed faith-minded people. For two centuries, it has stood as a steadfast symbol of spiritual nourishment, a beacon of hope, and a centre of communal life and faith for generations of parishioners in this area.

Throughout its 200-year history, the church building has evolved over the decades and has been renovated, restored, and preserved with the sensitive care of dedicated parishioners and clergy. Its colonnaded limestone structure with its magnificent stained-glass windows which add to the grandeur of the building that is much admired by its many callers. Every devotional feature of the edifice is designed to create an inviting prayerful ambience for its worshippers.

Sunday’s celebrations will begin at 3pm with a Mass of Thanksgiving celebrated by Bishop Kevin Doran. This will be followed by the unveiling of a commemorative plaque in the church grounds. Afterwards, people will retire to Dysart Community Centre for refreshments and entertainment. During the celebrations, a souvenir booklet will be launched which traces the history of Christianity in Dysart from Patrician times to the present church. It is an illustrated history with many interesting photographs and memories that capture the past, present and future aspirations of this close-knit community.

People from Boston in the USA and many parts of Ireland and oversees are expected to join the people of Dysart for this historic and celebratory occasion.

A large attendance is expected on the day and everybody is welcome to come along.