Discussions are under way between the Diocese of Raphoe and the Capuchin Franciscan Friars in an attempt to retain retreats at Ards Friary near Creeslough, Co Donegal, it emerged yesterday.
A spokesman for the Bishop of Raphoe, Dr Philip Boyce, confirmed that the diocese had entered into discussions with the friars.
"Discussions are ongoing within the diocese regarding the Ards Friary retreat centre but we've made no commitments as of yet. The friars are still there providing spiritual guidance and it would be a shame to see it closed to retreats," Fr Michael McKeever, the bishop's secretary, said.
For 33 years friary has been the location for spiritual retreats for religious and for the clergy as well as weekend lay retreats, but a fall-off in the number of Capuchin Franciscan Friars and financial constraints have been cited as the two main reasons behind the decision to stop retreats from December 31st.
The guardian of the friary, Br Eustace McSweeney, said they had entered into "serious" discussions with the Bishop of Raphoe.
"We're hopeful that there will be a favourable resolution, for all parties, to these discussions. However, we're still planning to adhere by the decision to discontinue our involvement in the retreat host ministry as and from December 31st this year," Br Eustace said.
Priests from the Raphoe diocese use Ards for their annual retreat and priests from the Diocese of Derry, Elphin and Achonry with parishes in Roscommon, Mayo and Sligo have also been a feature of the yearly programme. A large number of lay organisations also benefit from the facilities available at Ard Mhuire for weekend and day retreats.
Br Eustace explained that there was no question of the friars leaving Ards.
"There are two main reasons behind the decision to discontinue our involvement in the retreat host ministry - the main one being a big shortage of manpower. We have no spare parts, so to speak, which we can borrow to come to Ards. Also, it will take a lot of money to renew the heating system," Br Eustace said.
The existing Capuchin Franciscan Friars at Ards remain committed to the traditional ministries. There will be confessions, counselling and Masses and they will also continue to make themselves available to local parishes.