Oblate News

‘Thanksgiving for the Past, Celebrating the Present, Hopeful for the Future’

Bluebell, Dublin

With thanksgiving in their hearts young couples moved into the new housing scheme of Bluebell in 1953 – a new beginning for them, full of hopes and dreams for the future. They became the foundation stones and the pillars of the parish of Bluebell – An Cloigín Gorm.

Thanksgiving for the Past

It’s because of the generosity of the Dowling family who donated the land and the house called ‘Cremorne’ in the early 1960s the parish of Bluebell was established in 1967.  The blessing and consecration of Our Lady of the Wayside Church was celebrated on Sunday, 5th March 1967.  Most Rev Dr J. C. Mc Quaid Archbishop of Dublin was the chief celebrant.

The first priests in the parish were Frs. Hayes, Granville, Hickey and Kearney. The Oblates of Mary Immaculate in 1972 and have been here ever since. They were joined by the Daughters of Charity Sisters for a few years and by the Holy Faith Sisters for the past 17 years.

Family life was very important in Bluebell parish in those early days.   Many of that younger generation have now moved on to other parishes, bringing with them the values they learned and various precious experiences they encountered in Bluebell. In some families, that ‘younger generation’ are now called to care for their parents.   Despite many difficulties and constant changes there is still a very deep and beautiful sense of community and family in our  parish. With thanksgiving in their hearts the parishioners continue to keep the flame of faith alive in Bluebell and further afield.

Celebrating the Present

As we placed with respect, our Bluebell Parish Register of the Dead  in our Sacred Space during our Jubilee Eucharistic celebration,  we acknowledged the past and,  realising that we are ‘standing on the shoulders of those who have gone before us’, we set out to harvest the giftedness of our present parishioners, families and friends.   When we listen to their personal experiences of liturgical celebrations, meetings, scouts experiences, football matches, seniors’ outings, community centre tales,  youth gatherings etc. in our parish, it is impossible not to feel how much their hearts, and ours, are passionate with admiration and love for our beautiful Bluebell church building and community.  It is with this same passion that preparations for our Golden Jubilee celebrations ‘took off’.  Teams sprung into action from various corners of the Bluebell community, lists were drawn up, meetings attended, Ministers of the Word and Eucharist organising themselves, invitations sent out, church grounds got a new face-lift, Parish Register organised, spring clean of church, past musicians contacted, choir practices organised, sound system checked, caterers contacted, greenery pruned  and pruned again,  appeals sent out for photographs of past events/celebrations,  Jubilee cake baked, laughter and surprises coming from various places, photograph gallery emerged,  ladders appeared, skip ordered,  printers contacted,   kitchen  – very.. very busy…….  Great preparations, great fun and laughter  all leading to a wonderful uplifting experience  on Wednesday, 5^th October 2017 – our Eucharistic Celebration led by His Grace the Archbishop of Dublin , Dr. Diarmuid Martin, assisted by Frs. Tony Clancy and Eduardo Nunez, diocesan priests  and many Oblate priests, brothers and friends of Our Lady of the Wayside, Bluebell, Dublin.    

Hopeful for the Future

We are now called upon to renew the flame of our burning hearts and promise that we will continue the mission of Christ for future generations. The world needs the Light of Christ.  We must face the challenges and opportunities of the next 50 years with one clear aim:  To continue to build a Christ  centred community with a clear vision of an open-hearted, cooperative parish, united in a common purpose and one which will call each of us to gentle yet focused leadership, so that together we can meet the changing needs of all.  Through the example of our patron- Our Lady of the Wayside may we serve Christ and his Church.

• Margaret Alford/ Anne Ryan CHF.