A Hidden Church: The Diocese of Achonry 1689-1818

A Hidden Church tells the story of a people who, though persecuted and impoverished, generated a remarkably vibrant religion, with an all-pervasive homespun spirituality. Without churches or presbyteries, religion became people-centred. All the important ceremonies took place in the homes - Masses, christenings, confessions, weddings, and wakes. It was a celebratory church, enjoying its wakes no less than its weddings.The lives of the people are minutely described - their dress, food, cabins, their legendary hospitality, their passion for music and dancing, holy wells with their pilgrimages and patterns, hedge-schools and poor scholars, station-Masses, fairs, faction-fights and poteen-making.