150 Jubilee Opening Mass

On Sunday 8th February 2026, Holy Family Church, Aughrim Street, joyfully opened its 150th Jubilee Year with a moving Mass presided by Bishop Paul Dempsey, Auxiliary Bishop of Dublin. The celebration brought together parishioners, our Italian and Romanian Greek-Catholic Communities, and many friends, neighbours and representatives of the wider local community - a living expression of our Jubilee motto: Rooted in Community, Growing in Faith.

The Mass began with a procession of the cross, candles, Jubilee logo, Book of the Gospels, and Jubilee candle, reflecting the rich traditions of the Parish. Representatives of our diverse Communities brought forward an icon of the Holy Family, which Bishop Dempsey blessed before consecrating the Parish to the Immaculate Heart of Mary - a powerful reminder of our shared call to live as one family of faith.

In his homily, Bishop Dempsey invited us to recognise the signs of hope that continue to shine even in challenging times, reminding us that the Christian Community is called to be “salt of the earth and light of the world.”

Reflecting on the Jubilee, he encouraged us to look back with gratitude to those who, 150 years ago, had the courage, vision, and faith to build this church for future generations. He noted that the founders could never have imagined the vibrant, multicultural Parish that exists today - a testimony to God’s guidance and the work of successive generations. Their sacrifice and hope made possible the living Community we are now entrusted to nurture and strengthen. The diversity of nationalities and languages within the liturgy was a clear sign of a Church continually renewed by the Holy Spirit.

Looking to the future, Bishop Dempsey posed an important question: what will this Parish be like in fifty years’ time? While recognising the challenges facing faith today, he encouraged us to look ahead with confidence, trusting that, as in the past, the Holy Spirit will continue to open new paths, inspire courage, and guide the Parish towards opportunities beyond our imagining.

The Prayer of the Faithful included prayers in several languages, highlighting the cultural richness of Parish life. During the Offertory Procession, ministries and groups representing many aspects of Parish life brought forward gifts, celebrating the contribution of all who help make Holy Family Parish a welcoming and active Community. Hymns in English, Italian, and Romanian added warmth to the Eucharistic celebration.

The Mass concluded with the Jubilee Solemn Blessing, as Bishop Dempsey entrusted the Parish to God and encouraged all present to bear joyful witness to the Gospel in the months ahead. Parishioners then gathered for refreshments after Mass, enjoying a time of fellowship and celebration. All went forth inspired and grateful as the Jubilee Year begins as a time of thanksgiving, celebration, and renewed commitment to faith and community.

We offer our warm thanks to Bishop Paul Dempsey for presiding at this opening Mass, and to all who concelebrated or participated, including Fr. Coriolan Muresan, Parish Administrator, Fr. Bryan Shortall OFM Capuchin and Archbishop Emeritus Diarmuid Martin.

Our gratitude extends to all who helped prepare and support the celebration, including the altar servers, Ministers of the Word, and Ministers of the Eucharist, the Hospitality Team, Parish Youth Group, Sacramental Team, Jubilee Committee, Parish Pastoral Council and Safeguarding Team, Parish Finance Committee, Finance and Church Collections Team, and volunteers for their faithful service, the Italian and Romanian Greek-Catholic Communities, and all who serve the Parish in so many generous ways.

We also acknowledge, with appreciation, the presence of religious sisters and brothers from various Congregations, parishioners and visitors, and representatives of our schools, Scouts, local organisations, charities and community groups, including Councillor Ray McAdam, the Lord Mayor of Dublin, with Paul Carolan, his Aide-de-Camp, and Inspector John McCarthy from Bridewell Garda Station. Your presence, support and prayer are a valued sign of the living spirit of our Holy Family Parish.

As we begin this Jubilee Year, we give thanks for the past, rejoice in the present, and look forward with hope to the future, trusting in the power of Christ to guide and sustain us.