Newry Born Archbishop Remembered with Exhibition and Commemorative Mass

An exhibition has opened at Newry Library celebrating the life of one of Newry's most successful sons Archbishop Francis Carroll S.M.A. D.D. D.Ph. It's just one element of a fitting tribute to an important son of Newry, with a special public Mass being held this Saturday at 10.30am in Newry Cathedral.

Hosted by Newry Maritime Association in conjunction with Newry City Library, the exhibition in the Heritage Gallery of the library the exhibition tells the story of his family growing up at 71 Castle Street in Newry, his attendance at Newry Christian Brothers School, being ordained an SMA Father in 1937 and assigned to Liberia where he ultimately was appointed Archbishop. Archbishop Carrolls father Paddy worked at Newry Port. Also featured in the exhibition is a portrait of the Archbishop which was commissioned by the then Newry and Mourne Council in 1985 and hung in the Carroll Gallery of the Sean Hollywood Arts Centre where it remained until its closure.

A booklet that accompanies the exhibition paints the picture of what the area must have been like at that time.

"Frank joined a missionary staff of 5 serving the main station at Monrovia, a second residential station at Kekru, and 5 outstations. There was a mammoth task to be addressed but the young priest from Castle Street wasn't fazed and manfully faced the stern challenges before him. His was to be a dual role, combining religious and secular duties for the common good. Liberia was an impoverished country, hampered by poor communication and infrastructure. Most of his jurisdiction was accessible only by sea and was the least developed area of this fledgling state."

The booklet adds "Factor in the geographical location, a few degrees from the Equator, the lack of medical facilities and the isolation and one can understand why the area was known as 'The Whiteman's Grave'. Sadly it became the resting place of many  SMA Fathers with others ravaged by ill health and disease"

With his health failing the Archbishop tendered his resignation in 1976 and following a heart attack he decided to come home to Newry where he passed away in 1980 at the age of 68 and he is interred in the family plot at St Mary's Graveyard.

James McArevey from Newry Maritime Association recalls that he forged great relations between church and state. and realised the importance of the government being on side with him with Catholicism only representing about 10% of the population. When he became Bishop of Liberia in 1961, the President of Liberia attended. McArevy added: "In 1975 they gave him the highest possible honour, the Knighthood of the Pioneers. He was decorated by the government on four occasions for his service to the state"

Chris Cassidy, Newry Library added "He gave his life in service to the Church and to the people of Liberia and deserves to be remembered by the people of Newry."

This Saturday 25 October at 10.30am a special Mass will take place at Newry Cathedral which Canon Francis Brown will dedicate to Archbishop Carroll. There will be liturgical music from Kathy Mc Caughey and The Choir Studio. After Mass, Fr. Joe Egan, Community Leader SMA Dromantine, will unveil a commemorative plaque in the Cathedral garden. Refreshments will be served in the Parish Centre on The Mall. All are welcome.

The exhibition will run in the Heritage Gallery of the library until Friday 31st October during normal library opening hours. All are welcome.