Posted by In the mid-1970s, the heart of Knocklyon was a landscape of budding neighborhoods and eager residents, yet it lacked the amenities we now often take for granted. There were no bustling shopping centers, no well-lit streets to guide the way, and the 49 bus seemed to have a mind of its own. However, it was precisely within these humble beginnings that the seeds of a vibrant faith community were sown.
A Turning Point in 1974
The pivotal year of 1974 marked the birth of Knocklyon Parish on October 1st, under the patronage of St. Colmcille. At the helm of this budding community stood Fr. Patrick Staunton as Parish Priest and Fr. Seán Dunne as Curate. Their journey began in a rented house on Firhouse Avenue, now known as Knocklyon Avenue. While Ballyroan was the designated Parish Church, early Masses were celebrated there, forming the initial bonds of community.
Building Faith and Friendship
Daily Mass became a cornerstone of the community, taking place in the newly established Presbytery. The priests took a novel approach by initiating evening Masses in the homes of parishioners. These gatherings not only deepened their faith but also forged lifelong friendships and a sense of belonging among the growing parish family.
The Quest for a Spiritual Home
One of the central challenges was finding a suitable place within the community to celebrate Mass and give the parish its unique identity. In November 1974, a pivotal General Meeting took place at Terenure College, attended by 70 eager parishioners. The meeting gave birth to the first Parish Council and set the agenda for the future, with discussions ranging from the need for a Mass Centre, a School, a Residence, and Fundraising, with the Mass Centre emerging as the top priority.
A New Beginning in a Canteen
A breakthrough came when McInerney’s Site Office Canteen was offered to the parish. On December 15th, 1974, the first Mass was celebrated in this humble space, marking a momentous step in building the community. Despite the challenges of a cramped, hot, wooden canteen, it was a place where a sense of ownership and belonging began to take root.
A Community United
During this period, the first group of Church cleaners was formed, dedicating themselves to the task of scrubbing mud from brickie’s boots off the canteen floor every Saturday. This collective effort demonstrated the unity and commitment of the parish.
The Inauguration of St. Colmcille’s Church
As 1975 unfolded, Knocklyon welcomed even more residents, and the congregation spilled into the open space outside the canteen. A larger and more comfortable Mass Centre became a necessity. The Parish Committee took a bold step and approached the Finance Committee at Archbishop’s House, securing permission for a temporary Church. A surprise donation of £10,000 from a generous parishioner felt like a heaven-sent blessing. On August 10th, 1975, the first Mass was celebrated in the new St. Colmcille’s Church. (https://www.knocklyonparish.ie/)
This newly built Church swiftly became a bustling hub for the community. With its movable partitions, it hosted a wide array of activities, from the enchanting Folk Group Choir to Speech and Drama Classes, and numerous committee meetings. The thriving Knocklyon Parish had discovered its spiritual home.
A New Chapter with the SVD Team
In 2022, a fresh chapter began with the arrival of the SVD Team in this dynamic parish. Under the guidance of Fr. Eamonn Donnelly SVD, succeeded by Fr. Cyril Ming Ma SVD as parish priest and Fr. Adrianus Boysala SVD, Knocklyon Parish continues to evolve, grow, and thrive as a testament to the enduring power of faith, community, and dedication. Here’s to the next 50 years of inspiring stories and unwavering faith in Knocklyon Parish—a beacon of hope in Dublin’s heartland.
SVD IBP 