| Carlow |
Welcome to the Capuchins in Carlow
In the late seventies the Capuchin Order was looking for a new foundation to provide both accommodation for friars and a suitable training centre for aspirants to the Order. Carlow was chosen for a range of reasons, not least of which was the fact that the Most Rev. Dr. Patrick Lennon had kindly offered us a foundation in the diocese of Kildare and Leighlin. Again, the presence of St. Patrick's Diocesan Seminary meant that the theological formation of Capuchin aspirants could be provided for without having to travel outside of the town. Finally, the presence of the Poor Clare Sisters and the welcoming atmosphere of the town itself made Carlow a prospective foundation difficult to match. A site became available in the form of the Bank of Ireland (National) branch in Dublin Street and on 5 September 1977 the Provincial Minister, authorized the formation of a local fraternity in Carlow. Thus, the Capuchins took up the challenge of converting what had once been a busy bank into what was to become Carlow's newest place of prayer.  Inside Carlow Friary Having acquired the former Bank of Ireland building and site, much work had to be undertaken before it became habitable. Much of this reconstruction work on the oratory and friary was done by the Capuchins themselves under the capable hand of Br. Christy Twomey. Finally, on Thursday, 11 May 1978, less than a year after the acquisition of the property, Bishop Patrick Lennon blessed and opened the new Oratory of St. Anthony. |
