Churchgoers in Limerick will attend their last Christmas Mass tomorrow in one of the city's most historic churches, which has been open to congregations for almost 150 years.
The Jesuit Church of the Sacred Heart, which is one of only three Jesuit churches in Ireland, will close next summer following a permanent presence since 1869.
The decision to close was announced earlier this year by the provincial head of the Jesuits, Fr John Dardis, citing a fall in vocations, dwindling congregations and an abundance of Catholic churches in the city centre.
Campaigners who have fought to keep the church open will attend a poignant final Christmas service there tomorrow.
Generations of John Leonard's family have attended Mass at the church. He said yesterday it was ironic that it was contemplating closure in 2006, which is due to be a year of great celebration for the Jesuits.
"Next year is a very significant year in the Jesuit calendar as it marks the 450th anniversary of the death of St Ignatius of Loyola, and also the 500th anniversary of the birth of St Francis of Assisi," he said.
"The Jesuits are deep inside the hearts and minds of Limerick people, and it's unfortunate that the proposed closure coincides with a year of such great celebration for the order."