Parish Information
|
|
Page 1 of 2
St. John's Church, Cratloe
The building of St. John's, Ireland's finest barn style Church, was commenced in 1791 by Rev.James Ward (P.P. 1790-1802) who built the Nave. It was continued by his successor Rev. Jeremiah (Darby) Cronin (P.P. 1802-1807) who added the trancepts in 1806. He also incorporated a medieval doorway in one of the trancepts, which could have been taken from the ruined Church of Cruachan or the original Parish Church of Kilfintinan, now totally demolished.St. John's Church has been described in a special report by an Foras Forbartha of "Areas and Sites in Co. Clare of Historic and Artistic Interest" as follows:
It is "a small, low T-Shaped Barn Church with a date stone WMPC 1791" and another date stone 1806. The exterior is lime washed with good fenestration; round headed clear glass windows and original slates on the roof. The interior has a fine early 19th Century reredos with marbleised columns, also a small side chapel on the south side similarly treated, and also three bow-shaped galleries. The Church is lovingly well kept by the Parish Priest and is hidden away on the west side of Cratloe Wood. This is a fine example of an early barn Church, to our knowledge one of the finest in the country".
On Tuesday, 7th June , 1791 we read in the Limerick Journal that "the Parish Priest of Cratloe, the Rev. Mr. Ward" was offering a reward for his horse stolen while on Parish Visitation. His horse was described as "a dun coloured mare with a star, three white legs, the tail and mane black, a list along her back".
The original Parish name of Cratloe/Creatalach was Kilfintinan, derived from Cill Fintinan, the Church of Fintinan or Cill Fionn tSeanain, Church of the fair Senan. A silver chalice commemorating the building of the first section of the Church in 1791, has the following inscription "This Chalice was procd by the Rev. Js Ward for the Parish of Kilfintinan October 1792". The Parish Baptism Registers date from 1802 and the Marriage Registers from 1822. Prior to the granting of Catholic Emancipation, Daniel O'Connell is said to have made a speech in Cratloe Church in 1828.
In the late 1980's there was a period of controversy, following a suggestion that the Church be knocked and a new one built. In the end reason prevailed and the Church was tastefully renovated keeping its simple barn style. The Cratloe parishioners are rightly proud that they still have a Church that dates back to Penal Times. In fact it is very popular for marriages, 145 taking place each year. The couples say they like it because it is quaint and intimate. Enquiries for bookings may be made to the Parish Priest at any time.
Not far from St. John's Church is the Lourdes Grotto with its panoramic views of the locality. This Grotto was commenced in 1928 by Rev. John Wallace with the help of loyal parishioners who worked hard without pay until the project was completed in time for the 1932 Eucharistic Congress. It was solemnly consecrated by Bishop Patrick O'Neill in 1948 and has been visited over the years by many people. The Stations of the Cross were added in 1955. In 1995-96 great improvements were carried out to the Grotto. It is now much easier to climb the path and the handrail at each side is very helpful. The Grotto looks great when it is lit up at night. The Rosary is offered at 8-00 p.m. each night during the month of May and Mass is offered at dawn on Easter Sunday and 3-00 p.m. on the Feast of the Assumption each year.
|
|
