The Cork Catholic Diocese is to close its mission in Peru after 40 years, it was announced yesterday.
The mission, once manned by 60 priests, is to finish next March, the Bishop of Cork and Ross, Dr John Buckley, said in a letter read out at Masses in the diocese.
"I have decided that our commitment in Peru will end in March 2004, and the three priests at present working there will then return home.
"A most significant chapter in the history of the Diocese of Cork and Ross will end at that time," the letter said.
It continued: "It is unusual for a diocesan missionary project to last as long as that of Cork and Ross. It survived terrorism, earthquakes and political turmoil. This is due, after the grace of God, to the willingness of volunteer priests and sisters to work there over the years and to the generosity of the people of Cork and Ross."
The outreach programme to South America helped the poverty-stricken community by running essential projects which dealt with education, healthcare, employment and such necessities as running-water systems.
It was established by the late bishop of Cork, Dr Cornelius Lucey, in 1966.
The Cork diocese will continue a financial commitment to the mission, Bishop Buckley said yesterday.
Nuns from the Mercy and Bon Secours orders will retain a presence supplying medical assistance, helped by local girls who are joining their communities in large numbers.