Episode Details

Matthias speaks with Suellen McKenna and Maria Spellman from Ballintubber Abbey in County Mayo, which this year marks 810 years of continuous worship, making it the oldest surviving abbey in Ireland still in regular use. Suellen traces the abbey’s remarkable history from its founding by King Cathal O’Connor in 1216 through burnings, suppression and roofless Masses during the Penal times, to its restoration in 1967. Maria then describes the Ballintubber Abbey Choir, how it grew from 2012 under the guidance of Sister Francis McMillan, and the story behind their recently released album — recorded to raise funds for the restoration of the abbey’s east wing, and covering the full liturgical year. A wonderful listen for anyone with an interest in Irish heritage, sacred music or pilgrimage.

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L'articolo Ballintubber: The Abbey That Refused to Die – Suellen McKenna and Maria Spellman with Matthias proviene da Radio Maria.