Contemplate for a moment the year 1615. The Capuchin Friars first arrived in Dublin. However, the first friary wasn’t established until 1624. It was then located in Bridge Street. Fast forward to 1690. The Capuchins came to Church Street shortly after the Battle of the Boyne.
Here, at this very site, they opened a simple “Mass house”. This humble Mass house was enlarged in 1796. The present Church Street church dates from 1881. James J. McCarthy was the architect. The altar and reredos were designed by James Pearse. He was the father of Pádraig and Willie Pearse. They were executed after the 1916 Rising.
It was friars from this very Church Street community that attended those executed in 1916. They administered the last rites, a final act of compassion. Today, the Capuchin Friary continues to serve the local community through parish work. They also run the Capuchin Day Centre. This centre supports homeless people.
The Capuchin Mission Office is also located on Church Street. It supports the work of Irish friars overseas. These friars work in Zambia, South Africa, New Zealand, and Korea. St Mary of the Angels is not a parish church. However, the Friars also have responsibility for Halston Street Parish. It is one of the oldest in Dublin City Centre.
If you attend mass here, the times are as follows. Monday to Friday, you can attend at 8 am and 7.30 pm. A special St Anthony Mass and blessing occur each Tuesday at 7.30 pm. This includes a relic of St Anthony. Saturday mass is at 9.30 am. Sunday offers several options. These are 9 am, 11.30 am, 4 pm, and 7 pm. The 4 pm mass is held by the Brazilian Catholic Community in Portuguese. The Dublin Gospel Choir performs on the 2nd and 4th Sundays at 7 pm.
Confessions are heard on Saturdays after the 9.30 am Mass. They are also available on Tuesdays before the 7.30 pm Mass. Confessions can be requested at other times too. The Capuchin Friary office is open Monday to Friday. The hours are 9 am to 1 pm and 2 pm to 5 pm. It is closed on Saturdays, Sundays, and Bank Holidays. The phone number for the Capuchin Friary is 01 873 0599.
So, as you stand here, remember the rich history of the Capuchin Friary. It is a place of faith, service, and community.