ASCENSION DAY was celebrated on Thursday 9th May with a festal celebration of the Eucharist (with hymns) in St James’s Church, Mallow, marking the 40th day of the Easter season, the moment when the risen Lord returned to the heart of God, taking our humanity with him. A good congregation, drawn from all three churches of the Union, enabled us to celebrate the feast with fitting sense of joy and praise.
ST JAMES’S MALLOW 2024 CELEBRATIONS We had a hugely enjoyable and informative evening, with the added blessing of fine weather, when large numbers of people (both parishioners and many friends from the wider community) gathered to explore and discover the history of St James’s Church (and its now-ruined predecessor, St Anne’s, where the Patriot Thomas Davis was baptized) at the beginning of May. Members of Mallow Field Club, the local history society in Mallow, explored various aspects of the two churches, their history, architecture and archaeology. The fascinating and engaging talks enabled us to understand the churches’ place in the evolution of Mallow, as well as the role of the Church of Ireland in the place where we live, work and engage with a growing and diverse community today. We were delighted to be joined by our former Rector, Eithne Lynch, and her husband, Richard, who are both longstanding members of the Field Club. Afterwards, there was a presentation to the Rector of a framed document dating from near the time of the completion of St James’s Church.
COMMUNITY SUPPER Over 100 people, including parishioners from our three churches, along with friends from the wider community and neighbouring parishes, came together for an enjoyable buffet supper in Castletownroche Community Hall at the beginning of May. This was a fundraiser for St Mary’s Church in Castletownroche. Our grateful thanks to everyone who worked so hard to prepare for the event, to make people welcome on the evening, and who helped with the clearing up afterwards. This has become a popular annual in the area.
CONCERT As part of the St James 2024 celebrations, Cór Mhagh Ella gave a superb concert of ‘May Melodies’ in St James’s Church, Mallow, on Friday 10th May, which was well attended by parishioners and friends from the surrounding communities served by this Union. It was good to welcome so many people to a hugely enjoyable event. It began with a relaxed and pleasant Prosecco reception which, due to the warm weather, enabled many people to enjoy conversation and one another’s company in the church grounds. We were delighted to work harmoniously with the choir in preparation for the event.
CONFIRMATION we have been keeping Deborah Uwumarogie much in our prayers at this time as she was confirmed by the Bishop at a service in the Collegiate Church of St Mary, Youghal, on Trinity Sunday. On the previous Sunday, Pentecost, Deborah led the congregation of St James’s, Mallow, in the renewal of baptismal vows that she reaffirmed for herself at her confirmation.
CHORAL EVENSONG At the time of writing, we are looking forward very much to welcoming the choir of St Fin Barre’s Cathedral, Cork, as they sing Choral Evensong in St James’s Church at 4.00pm on Sunday 9th June, the feast of St Columba. The service will include music by Kenneth Leighton, Thomas Attwood Walmisley and William Boyce. This is also part of our 2024 bi-centennial celebrations. All are very welcome to join us for worship and for refreshments afterwards.
COMMUNITY CAFÉ This initiative by people from St James’s Church, Mallow, including some our younger parishioners, is now in full swing during the weekly Farmers’ Market in the church grounds each Friday morning. As well as great coffee and tea, this positive and inviting initiative offers a chance to sample home-made Torta de Santiago (St James’s Cake), the recipe for which can be found in this month’s magazine. It is baked in northern Spain to sustain pilgrims along the Camino or St James’s Way. The café also enables the church to be open for people who are looking for a quiet space for prayer and reflection.
PRUNING IN DONERAILE A group of parishioners gathered, armed with secateurs, one Saturday afternoon in May to give the churchyard a prune. We are grateful to them – and to many others, who are dropping in as time allows, to keep things looking trim and tidy.
IN REMEMBRANCE & THANKSGIVING memorial services have recently been held for Beatrice Alice Waldron (at St James’s Mallow on Friday April 19th) and Jill Roche (at St Mary’s Doneraile on Saturday June 1st). We also remember a very dear parishioner of ours, Olive Kingston, who died on May 9th at St Luke’s home, Cork and whose funeral will be held in St James’s Mallow on June 22nd.