The Franciscan Friary at Rossnowlagh, Co Donegal, recently faced with closure due to declining vocations, has been given a reprieve and is to increase its number of clerics.
Friars at their recent conference voted to remain at Rossnowlagh and their other centre in Multyfarnham, Co Westmeath. The U-turn on Rossnowlagh was prompted by arguments highlighting its vital cross-Border role. Thousands of people from the North attend the friary and its peace and reconciliation centre.
Two more clerics will now be added to the present staff of three priests and a brother.
Fr Seán Collins, vicar provincial, said yesterday: "The chapter moved very much in the direction of maintaining a presence in the northern part of Ireland. Friars considered that Rossnowlagh is very important for that reason."
When the Franciscans revealed their cutback plan last year they insisted there would be efforts to retain links to centres from which they would withdraw. There was local speculation that a hotel syndicate might attempt to buy the 53-year-old friary.
But its oldest resident, Br Paschal Williamson (84), said he was convinced it would always be a place of worship and he prayed daily that something would save it. One worshipper at the church said yesterday: "It seems Br Paschal's prayers have been answered."