ARDS FRIARY

Capuchin Franciscan Friary.  Phone: 074-9138005 Fax: 074-9138371

A Picture of Ard Mhuire 

The above building was erected in the 1960's and after 35 years the copper roofing has been eroded by salt water and the elements. A committee was setup in March 2001 to raise funds to replace the roof at an estimated cost of £300,000.   Work will commence on Tuesday, 17th. April, 2001.   Various projects will be undertaken to raise this money and it is hoped that worldwide contributions will be received. All contributions, large or small will be gratefully accepted.   The local people have come forward in large numbers offering their support, businesses and emigrants are also behind us.

Brother Kevin

A  letter from Brother Kevin Crowley, Guaridan, ARDS FRIARY - March, 2001.

The Capuchin order has been in Ard Mhuire, Creeslough since 1930, happy to serve people from Donegal and further afield.   Originally, we occupied the old Stewart Bam Mansion for training students for the Priesthood.   By the 1960's the house was in serious disrepair and a new building was erected, thanks to the support of Donegal people at home and abroad.

1973 the students were transferred to Dublin and the house was developed into a retreat centre.   With its beautiful location, it attracts visitors from all over the world.   Confession and counselling are also available seven days a week.   The Sunday Eucharist is deeply appreciated and attended by locals and visitors.   We are a Religious and non-profit organisation and try to keep expenses to a minimum.   Our main investment is in the goodwill of the people, trusting that we could turn to them on a rainy day.  

The rainy day has arrived...the ROOF on the Church and living quarters are leaking and must be replaced, at an estimated cost of £300,000.   As you can imagine this sum of money is far beyond my IMAGINATION, I am therefore appealing to your generosity for assistance.   Any contribution will be gratefully accepted and appreciated.      Thanks and may God Bless you.               

Brother Kevin Crowley, OFM Cap.  (Guardian).

HISTORY

Ards House was built in 1708, by the Wray's whose family came from Yorkshire, England.   In 1780 they sold the House to the Stewart's, later known as the Stewart Bams.   

In 1930 the old mansion, Ard House was acquired by the Franciscan Capuchin Order and the name was changed to Ard Mhuire.   In January, 1931 this became the Novitiate and Theological Seminary for the Capuchins.   After 35 years it became evident that the house was too small for the growing number of students studying for the priesthood   and plans for renovation were abandoned in favour of a new building.  

The new Friary was opened on Sunday, 13th. November, 1966 by Bishop Anthony Mac Feely.   Present also were Capuchins from the USA, Zambia, South Africa and New Zealand.   Fr. Conrad reckoned that 80% of Irish Capuchins, at home and abroad had studied at Ards.   192 students were ordained to the priesthood in Ards.

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