On 10th April 2021 we celebrated the 40th anniversary of the opening of St. Attracta's Oratory. Unfortunately due to current circumstances we will have to wait until later on in the year to celebrate. If you have any old photographs and/or stories from this time, we would love to hear from you. Email [email protected] or phone 012987401 during office hours.
St. Attracta
Athracht (Attracta) was the daughter of Talan, son of Saran who was a prince of Dalriada at about the time of the St. Patrick. She ran away from home to avoid marriage and to serve God as a follower of Patrick from whose hand she received her veil and was consecrated a nun. She numbered two other saints among her brothers. Her original abode was called Killaraght and the site still exists though it is only a buial ground at this time. Killaraght is situated between Boyle and Ballaghaderreen near the shores of Lough Gara and the area around has many Tober Arraghts or holy wells where traditional practices including outdoor Masses are celebrated.
She established a hostel called Termon Killaraght, which serviced as a hospital and refuge for wayfarers for over 1000 years until it was confiscated during the Reformation.
ST. Naithi and St. Attracta are both patrons of the Diocese of Achonry and they are recorded as having being friends. On one occasion they were required to pay homage to the local king Keannfaelid, to assist him in building a pretentious palace. They asked for ecclesiastical immunity but were refused. There are marvelous or miraculous stores about how they then complied.
The stores of service, wisdom and miracles associated with St. Attracta are such as to keep her strongly in the hearts of the people of the Roscommon/Sligo area. She is noted as a supporter in sickness and trouble, in short she is a practical saint ready to help in the ordinary difficulties of life.
St. Attracta's feast day is 11th August.
By Nicholas Ryan
She established a hostel called Termon Killaraght, which serviced as a hospital and refuge for wayfarers for over 1000 years until it was confiscated during the Reformation.
ST. Naithi and St. Attracta are both patrons of the Diocese of Achonry and they are recorded as having being friends. On one occasion they were required to pay homage to the local king Keannfaelid, to assist him in building a pretentious palace. They asked for ecclesiastical immunity but were refused. There are marvelous or miraculous stores about how they then complied.
The stores of service, wisdom and miracles associated with St. Attracta are such as to keep her strongly in the hearts of the people of the Roscommon/Sligo area. She is noted as a supporter in sickness and trouble, in short she is a practical saint ready to help in the ordinary difficulties of life.
St. Attracta's feast day is 11th August.
By Nicholas Ryan
