Black Abbey thanks the people of Kilkenny as it marks 800 years

This year marks the 800th Anniversary of the founding of the Dominican Abbey of the Most Holy Trinity, more commonly known as the Black Abbey, in 1225. It is a significant milestone to commemorate , particularly as the Black Abbey is the only original Dominican foundation that continues to be in use to this day in Ireland. This year is the Jubilee Year of Hope in the Church and I think it is very fitting that we, as Dominicans in Kilkenny, have the opportunity to commemorate the 800th anniversary of the Black Abbey during this Jubilee Year.

I say that because the Black Abbey is a symbol of hopes fulfilled. The Dominicans arrived in Ireland in 1224 and established their first priories in Ireland that same year, in Dublin and Drogheda. In 1225, they arrived in Kilkenny, invited by William Marshall, Earl of Pembroke who gave them a small ‘castle’ that was to be their living quarters while they set about building a church – the Abbey of the Most Holy Trinity which became commonly known as the Black Abbey.



It was from the black cappa or outer cloak worn by Dominicans over their white habit that this Kilkenny church derived its popular title. In medieval times, the Dominicans were known as Blackfriars. The Dominicans ministered continuously in the abbey until the terrible year of 1540 when all the monasteries and churches were closed and confiscated under the order of King Henry VIII.

The abbey was given to the corporation and turned into a courthouse. After the abbey was confiscated, the Dominicans remained in Kilkenny and continued to minister in secret to the people. During these years of persecution, both the Dominican friars and the people of Kilkenny continually hoped to be able to return to worship in the abbey.

There were a few short periods when they could practice their faith openly and celebrate Mass in the Abbey, but then persecution intensified again, particularly with the arrival of Oliver Cromwell and his armies in 1650. Finally, their perseverance was rewarded when the church was reborn and the first Mass was celebrated on February 9, 1816. The abbey had come back to life after being dead for centuries – rising from the ashes.

It is a tribute to the perseverance and faith of both the Dominicans and the people of Kilkenny that the Black Abbey was able to be restored in the 19th Century for public worship once again. As we mark the 800th anniversary of the founding of the Black Abbey this year, the present Dominican community would like to express our heartfelt thanks to all the people of Kilkenny for their continuous and loyal support for the Black Abbey. It is because of this support that the Black Abbey continues to function as it was intended to when it was first established in 1225.

During this eighth centenary year, the Dominican community has organised a number of events to commemorate this occasion, and we invite you to join us for some or all of these throughout the year. READ NEXT: BISHOP OF OSSORY PAYS TRIBUTE TO DOMINICANS.