The sale of a landmark Limerick church for about €4 million is expected to be confirmed within the next week.
The Jesuit Church of the Sacred Heart, which is one of only three remaining Jesuit churches in Ireland, has been in Limerick city since 1868. A decision to close the church was announced by the order last September, due to a fall in vocations, dwindling congregations and an abundance of Catholic churches in the city.
Only five priests remain in the Jesuit community in Limerick and the average age is 77.
The landmark church and adjoining Jesuits' residence went on the market with Sherry Fitzgerald O'Malley auctioneers at the beginning of February.
Auctioneer Des O'Malley confirmed yesterday that one of the five tenders received by last Friday's deadline "stood out from the rest" although he would not comment specifically on the price. However, it's understood the successful bidder met the asking price of €4 million for both the 19th-century church and the adjoining Jesuits' residence.
Mr O'Malley said he hoped to be able to confirm the identity of the successful tender next week provided the offer is accepted by the Jesuit Order.
Fr Dermot Murray at the Sacred Heart Church in Limerick said yesterday he was not aware that the sale was on the verge of closing but he hoped there would be further developments in the next week. He stressed the order would maintain a presence in Limerick through its role at the Crescent Comprehensive school and with plans for a new spiritual centre.
Locals had campaigned to keep the church open and urged the Catholic hierarchy to maintain the facade and the interior of the Classical/Grecian-designed church in its future usage. Construction of the church, designed by Charles Geoghegan, began in 1864 and it was finished four years later.
The church is to close its doors in the summer but the order stressed yesterday it will maintain its commitment to Limerick with plans for a new spiritual centre and through the Crescent Comprehensive where it holds a majority on the school board. The Crescent school moved from its city centre location beside the church to a site in Dooradoyle in 1973. Famous past pupils include actor Richard Harris, broadcaster Terry Wogan and Progressive Democrats founder Des O'Malley. The Jesuits' new centre for Spirituality, Faith and Culture is due to open in Limerick in June although an exact location has yet to be confirmed.
The Jesuits are this year celebrating the 500th anniversary of the birth of St Francis Xavier and the 450th anniversary of the death of founder St Ignatius Loyola.