“Who would have thought that a church built in the late 1960s could evoke such a sense of timelessness?”
Welcome to Our Lady of Consolation. Here at the junction of Malahide Road and Collins Avenue East this church stands. It is a testament to faith and modern architecture.
Our Lady of Consolation replaced a simple corrugated-iron church. That earlier structure served the growing communities since 1947. The new church built between 1966 and 1969 was designed by T.P. Kennedy. His vision was to bridge tradition and modernity.
Notice the concrete-frame construction. It is expressed externally. This echoes the scholarly Gothic Revival. Think of Pugin and his followers in the mid-nineteenth century. The yellow brick infill and tall parapet give Our Lady of Consolation a monumental character.
Look at the tall pointed windows. Consider the plan form. It is a traditional cruciform layout with nave and transepts. Yet, it has a wedge-shaped footprint. This reflects post-Vatican II sensibilities.
The stained-glass windows are a work of art. Murphy Davitt Studios designed and executed them. These windows create a visually interesting and colorful atmosphere inside. Paul Meehan designed the copper-faced doors. They depict scenes from the New Testament.
Our Lady of Consolation is more than just a building. It is a place of worship. Daily masses occur here. Weekdays see a 10 AM service. On Saturdays, there are masses at 10 AM and 6:30 PM. Sundays have services at 9 AM, 10:30 AM, 12 PM, and 1 PM. A special bilingual mass in English and Irish is at 9 AM on Sundays.
Confessions are heard on Saturdays after the 10 AM Mass. They are also available upon request. Eucharistic Adoration takes place every Friday. It runs from 10:30 AM to 12 noon. This is unless a funeral is occurring.
The parish of Donnycarney was established in 1952. It was formed from the parish of Marino. Today, Our Lady of Consolation continues to thrive. It benefits from the hard work of those who came before. The community is nourished daily. It recognizes Christ in everyone. Volunteers contribute their time and talents.
As you leave Our Lady of Consolation reflect on its beauty. Consider its history. Remember the community it serves. It is a beacon of faith. It is a landmark in Donnycarney.