The Southern Star

St Colman's

On Friday, the Friends of St. Colman’s Cathedral were aware of the text of a letter from Bishop John Magee which would be read at all masses in the Diocese of Cloyne over the weekend. In the letter, Bishop Magee referred to various aspects of the restoration works carried out on the cathedral – heating, cleaning, damp proofing, etc. – and he praised the public for their contribution towards the §4 million cost so far. Bishop Magee wants to remove the centre portion of the altar rails and extend the sanctuary down into the nave of the cathedral, to increase the size of the sanctuary for special religious occasions and to allow greater participation in the liturgy by the congregation. His proposals were accepted by the County Architect on behalf of Cobh Town Council, but this decision was overturned by An Bord Pleanála. Bishop Magee said An Bord Pleanála recognised the liturgical needs, but felt the changes could not be made to a listed building. Bishop Magee said the cathedral would have to continue with a temporary plywood altar until other proposals would be formulated and the decision of An Bord Pleanála would have repercussions, not only for the diocese but nationally, as Article 44:2:5 of the Constitution recognised the rights of churches to administer their properties as they saw fit.