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Oldest Catholic Church in Belfast to re-open for Mass at end of August

St Mary's Church in Belfast city centre is due to open its doors for Mass at the end of the month. Picture by Hugh Russell
St Mary's Church in Belfast city centre is due to open its doors for Mass at the end of the month. Picture by Hugh Russell St Mary's Church in Belfast city centre is due to open its doors for Mass at the end of the month. Picture by Hugh Russell

THE oldest Catholic Church in Belfast is set to re-open for Mass at the end of August, with all renovation work due to be completed by next month.

St Mary's in the city centre has been undergoing both external and internal restoration since May.

The Living Youth building, beside the church in Chapel Lane, has been the venue for Mass since July 17.

Fr James Boyle, the administrator of St Mary's, said that it is hoped that Mass will be celebrated in the church once more on the Bank Holiday weekend.

In an update to parishioners in the bulletin, Fr Boyle said: "This work will continue for an additional period of three weeks allowing the church to be re-opened (we hope) for Mass on Sunday 27 August."

The total renovation work, expected to total more than £300,000, was initially due for completion by Friday August 18, but a delay of three weeks to allow for the remaining amendments to the church exterior is now likely.

The work includes the complete replacement of the main roof coverings and the repairing and re-pointing of walls and stonework.

Additional paving is to be installed around the grotto outside the church, where Mass was first celebrated in 1784, and the grass area is to be re-designed.

The St Mary's administrator said: "The storm glazing to the windows to the front elevation has been removed and will be replaced.

"The statue of Our Lady of the Garden, which is currently located in front of St Mary's Hall, will be relocated to this grassed area and will be placed on an elevated base."

Fr Boyle added: "These additional external works will also extend beyond the projected completion date of 18 August by a period of 2-3 weeks. Therefore, all additional work should be fully complete by Friday 8 September."