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Parish History
by Maire Uí Mhurchú
The Carmelite Convent is now Closed
1827: The Carmelite Sisters from Clondalkin formed a Convent in Firhouse in a house of this name, which was owned by a Mr. Smith.
1828: On 20th March Dr. Murray, Archbishop of Dublin, dedicated the Convent Chapel. This event marked the beginning of a long service by the Sisters to the Parishioners of Firhouse which has lasted until today.
Their existence as a contemplative order was banned by the Penal Laws as they were ‘productive.’ To comply with the Law the Sisters built the original school at Firhouse and although a contemplative order they taught all subjects.
1975: On 1st November Firhouse Parish was constituted and Fr. Noel Madden appointed Administrator. Meanwhile the Carmelite Oratory served the local community. In the absence of a Parish Church the parishioners attended the Convent Masses at 9.00.a.m. and 10.30.a.m. These Masses were celebrated by the Fathers from the Carmelite College in Terenure, who have been the Convent Chaplains since 3rd December 1882. Among the Carmelite Chaplains was Fr. Lamont, then well known as Bishop Donal Lamont. Previous to 3rd December 1882 the Dominican Fathers were the Convent Chaplains.
1976: From January 4th celebration of Sunday Masses commenced in Scoil Carmel Assembly Hall at 10.00, 11.00, 12.00, 12.45 and 6p.m.
1977: On 1st May Scoil Treasa, a second sixteen room primary school was blessed and opened.
1977: On 16th October the Mass Centre was transferred to Scoil Treasa.
1979: The 27th May – the momentous occasion of the opening of our new Church. Its title “Our Lady of Mount Carmel” is in recognition and appreciation of the Carmelite presence in the parish for nearly two centuries.
More about The Carmelite Sisters
- Read More about the Firhouse Carmelite Monastery (now closed)
- Relics of St. Therese Return to Firhouse Carmelite Monastery
- The Nuns and I
Before the development began in this area Firhouse was a quiet rural village. The main road then was a winding country road with a footpath only on one side. It is hard to imagine that Knocklyon Inn and Firhouse Inn were both on the same side of the road. The bus to Tallaght or Bohernabreena came along about once every hour.
When the new housing estates were built and the population increased the parish of Bohernabreena, Firhouse was constituted and the Convent Chapel served the local community. There were two Masses every morning, at 7.30 and 9.30 during Lent; and for other special occasions, there was also an evening Mass. On Sundays there were four Masses. Baptisms also took place in the Convent Chapel on the first Sunday of every month. The Chapel was small and, as the number of Baptisms increased, we had to have two ceremonies in the afternoon: one at 3 pm and the other at 4 pm. This continued until the new Parish Church was opened in 1979. The Sisters sold Baptismal Candles and they also made the little white garments for the Baptism. This provided an opportunity for the young parents in the area to call at the Convent and meet the Sisters.
Baptisms also took place in the Convent Chapel on the first Sunday of every month. The Chapel was small and, as the number of Baptisms increased, we had to have two ceremonies in the afternoon, one at 3 pm and the other at 4 pm. This continued up until the new Parish Church was opened in 1979. The Sisters sold Baptismal Candles and they also made the little white garments for the Baptism. This provided an opportunity for the young parents in the area to call at the Convent and meet the Sisters.
By degrees our relationship with the new local community grew. We were so appreciative of the people who would drop in on a regular basis to ask if we needed anything in Town. One sector of the community in particular stands out for us: the children. In those days it was quite safe for the children to cross the road and during school holidays and free days there was a constant stream of little visitors coming to the door. “We just came to see the nuns”. Some of the friendships formed in those days have lasted up to the present time.
One year, 1973, the First Communions were held in the Convent, but the Chapel proved to be too small to accommodate the families. So, from then on all the children are invited to come to the Convent the week after the First Communions, all dressed in their finery, and they meet all the Sisters.
In 2001 the Sisters decided to demolish the old Convent and build a new house. The former school in the convent grounds was renovated and the Sisters lived there for about two years while the new house was being built. It was sad to see the old Convent going but the new house and Chapel are very nice. The former school is now in the third phase of its life, this time as a Pastoral Centre. Its new name is ´Cherith´.
We very much appreciate the goodness and loyalty of the local people and they are forever in our thoughts and prayers.
Relics of St. Therese Return to Firhouse Carmelite Monastery
On Thursday, 16th April, the Relics of St. Thérèse made a return visit to the Carmelite Monastery.
The grounds of the Convent were decorated with bunting and freshly planted pansies peeped up around the gardens. Inside the Chapel the excitement and anticipation was barely contained as the Sisters prepared for 10 am Mass on Thursday morning.
The little grey van carrying the casket, expected at 4pm, arrived early around 3.45pm, catching everybody by surprise; but the Chapel soon filled up and the congregation filed past. The Convent remained open throughout the night and the Sisters and a few visitors kept vigil. There was a most beautiful relaxing atmosphere and nobody wanted to leave, even the smallest children seemed to sense something special was happening as they sat and watched with eager eyes.
Next morning 10 am Mass was celebrated by Fr. P.J. Breen, O.Carm, and once again the Chapel was filled to overflowing. He gave a final blessing for all who had roses and as the congregation held up the roses it was apparent that, despite all the recent sad disclosures, a deep faith still prevails.
As the Sisters walked ahead of the little van to the Monastery gates with the congregation walking behind, people tried to hide their emotions and all too quickly The Little Flower was on her way to bring peace and contentment to Delgany. St. Thérèse of Lisieux died on the 30th September 1897 and is fulfilling her promise to “spend my Heaven doing good upon earth”.
Relics of St. Therese Return to Firhouse Carmelite Monastery
On Thursday, 16th April, the Relics of St. Thérèse made a return visit to the Carmelite Monastery.
The grounds of the Convent were decorated with bunting and freshly planted pansies peeped up around the gardens. Inside the Chapel the excitement and anticipation was barely contained as the Sisters prepared for 10 am Mass on Thursday morning.
The little grey van carrying the casket, expected at 4pm, arrived early around 3.45pm, catching everybody by surprise; but the Chapel soon filled up and the congregation filed past. The Convent remained open throughout the night and the Sisters and a few visitors kept vigil. There was a most beautiful relaxing atmosphere and nobody wanted to leave, even the smallest children seemed to sense something special was happening as they sat and watched with eager eyes.
Next morning 10 am Mass was celebrated by Fr. P.J. Breen, O.Carm, and once again the Chapel was filled to overflowing. He gave a final blessing for all who had roses and as the congregation held up the roses it was apparent that, despite all the recent sad disclosures, a deep faith still prevails.
As the Sisters walked ahead of the little van to the Monastery gates with the congregation walking behind, people tried to hide their emotions and all too quickly The Little Flower was on her way to bring peace and contentment to Delgany. St. Thérèse of Lisieux died on the 30th September 1897 and is fulfilling her promise to “spend my Heaven doing good upon earth”.
