St Augustine's Church in Cork overflows with emotion for its last-ever Mass
St Augustine’s Church in Cork held its final Mass, drawing a massive crowd of nearly 2,000 people. While the church is closing, officials indicated that negotiations regarding the future of the building are ongoing.
Why it matters
The closure marks the end of a 750-year historical chapter for the Augustinian Order in Cork, reflecting broader trends in declining church attendance.
One member of the congregation wipes away a tear during the emotional final Mass at St Augustine’s Church in Cork. The church officially seats 1,200, but one priest estimated the congregation spilling out into Washington Stand the Grand Parade was close to 2,000. Pictures: Chani Anderson
St Augustine’s Church seats 1,200, but with Sunday’s faithful literally out the doors onto Washington St and the Grand Parade for the Augustinian Order ’s final Mass in Cork, one priest estimated the congregation was close to 2,000.
In his homily, Fr Paddy O'Reilly, vicar provincial of the Augustinian Order in Ireland, offered some hope, but scant details.
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