Could you imagine a parish born from two? St. Killian’s Church stands as a testament to this union. This church is not just a building. It’s a symbol of community.
St. Killian’s Church, along with St. Kevin’s Church, forms the Parish of Kilnamanagh-Castleview. Archbishop Diarmuid Martin officially constituted this parish in 2008. It merged St. Kevin’s, Kilnamanagh and St. Kilian’s, Castleview.
Let’s go back in time. The late 1970s and early 80s saw Dublin expand. New communities sprung up. St. Kevin’s Church was built in 1978. Three years later, in 1981, St. Killian’s Church opened its doors.
Interestingly, both churches are easily accessible. The Luas line runs nearby. Alight at the Kingswood station. Both churches are within a 10-minute walk. This makes St. Killian’s Church a very accessible place of worship.
The parish itself is quite large. It consists of around 3200 homes. That’s approximately 13200 people according to census figures. Both St. Kevin and St. Kilian are patrons of the parish. These Irish monastic saints remind us of Ireland’s Christian heritage.
Who was St. Kilian? St. Kilian was born in County Cavan around 640 AD. He became a missionary to Wurzburg, Germany. He was martyred there in 689 AD. St. Kilian’s story is one of faith and dedication. He even has a heritage center dedicated to him in Mullagh, County Cavan.
St. Killian is believed to have received his religious training at the monastery in Rosscarbery, County Cork. Later he founded his own monastery off Kilmakilloge harbour in the Kenmare area.
From Kilmakilloge harbour, Kilian and twelve companions set sail on their mission. They traveled to Rome where Pope Conan directed them to Germany. They settled in Wurzburg in 686.
Kilian denounced the Duke Gosbert for having an affair with his brother’s wife. Geilana was furious. She hired assassins to murder Kilian and his two companions, Colman and Totnan. They were killed while at prayer in 689 AD.
Today, St. Killian is venerated. His cult spread throughout Central Europe and beyond. He became the patron saint of wine growers and shepherds. People prayed to him for cures.
Even today, there are strong bonds between Mullagh, the birthplace of St. Kilian, and Wurzburg, the place of his death.
St. Killian’s Church also is closely linked to local schools. There are two schools in Castleview and two in Kilnamanagh.
As we stand here, remember the mission of the Parish of Kilnamanagh-Castleview. It is “to develop a commitment to the love of Jesus Christ and our neighbour by encouraging worship and a spirit of caring for the whole community.” St. Killian’s Church plays a vital role in fulfilling this mission. It is a welcoming beacon. It unites people in faith and service.