Spiritual retreats at Ard Mhuire Friary near Creeslough, Co Donegal, are to be stopped next year due to a shortage of friars, it emerged yesterday.
Ards, as it is known locally, has been the location for spiritual retreats for religious and lay people for the past 33 years. However, the guardian of the friary has confirmed there would be no more retreats next year.
Brother Eustace McSweeney cited a fall-off in the number of Capuchin Franciscan friars and financial constraints as being the two main reasons behind the decision.
But there was no question of the friars leaving Ards, he added.
"The decision is to discontinue our involvement in the retreat host ministry as and from December 31st this year. There are two reasons, the main one being a big shortage of manpower.
"We have no spare parts, so to speak, which we can borrow to come to Ards. Also, it will take a lot of money to renew the heating system.
"The existing Capuchin Franciscan friars at Ards remain committed to our traditional ministries. There will be confessions, counselling and Masses while we will also continue to make ourselves available to local parishes," he added.
Two years ago, an Austrian-based group of nuns took up residence at Ard Mhuire, helping to ensure the long-term future of the popular Christian retreat centre.
"The sisters are still here working with us. We're very conscious of the extremely generous support and good will we've received from local people down through the years," Brother McSweeney said.
Ards House was formally taken over by the Capuchins on March 19th, 1930, and the name was changed to Ard Mhuire. At that time life was very enclosed. The new friary was opened in 1966, a peak year with 40 students.