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Killesk
Mass Rock |
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In the 18th century the cruel
Penal Laws were passed in Ireland. Priests and bishops
were not allowed to say mass. The people gathered
together in the open at mass rocks or in safe houses. Some fields in
Ireland have the name "Carraig an Aifrinn" or
Mass Rock. In parts of Ireland today, especially Kerry
and Cork a mass in the house is still celebrated.This is
called a "Station Mass" and goes back to Penal
times.
One of these mass
rocks is in our parish at Killesk. The rock is made from
granite which is a very hard rock. A section on top was
cut away to make a flat altar for the priest to rest his
vessels.There is a cross carved on the rock's flat
surface also. |
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Inscribed or carved cross on the
altar
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The mass rock field is away from
the roads and well sheltered with trees. Lookouts were
posted in case the soldiers or Red Coats were coming. Mass was held
in secret and the priest arrived in disguise to say
mass. Mass rocks were often placed near streams so it is
possible that people walked on the bed of the Pill so
that they would not leave any footprints behind. The soldiers from Duncannon found the rock
and rolled into the nearby river Pill. Campile or Ceann
Phuill means the "head" of the Pill. The
rock stayed there for over 200 years. In 1973 it was put
back on its base. Some locals wanted it placed in the
village but the owner of the field, Janie Colfer, had it
placed back in its original position. It is there to
this day and mass is said each year on the Monday
nearest the feast of St.James. Our parish church in
Horeswood is dedicated to St.James. The first mass was
said there in 1974 by Canon Anglim P.P. Horeswood. |
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Penal cross used by priests with its
short arms so that it could be quickly hidden up his
sleeve.
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The custom of placing a lighted candle on
the window at Christmas is also said to come from Penal
times. It was a signal to the wandering priest that it was
a safe house to visit and that the family wanted to
receive the sacraments. After the Penal Laws the custom
continued but the candle was now used to show the Holy
Family the road to Bethlehem and as a welcome to Baby
Jesus into the home. The custom is still carried on in
many parts of Ireland to this day at Christmas.
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Lookouts on guard while mass is said
at Mass Rock
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Fr.French celebrates mass at the Mass Rock July 26/2004
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Drawing of the Mass rock by Isabelle C.in 4th Class
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