AS THE grounds of historic Ballintubber Abbey, Co Mayo transformed earlier this week into the road to Calvary for the annual Passion play, entitled The Triumph of Easter, those impoverished by the Celtic Tiger were recalled.
For 23 years now, under the direction of longtime abbey priest Fr Frank Fahey, thousands of people from all over the west have gathered in the grounds of the historic abbey for the play, presented by more than 70 members of the local community.
Fr Fahey said the Passion play challenged our “recent abandonment of Christ and the cry of the poor”.
“We are lamenting the demise of the Celtic Tiger, but we are saying that in a few years the economy will be buoyant again. I hope we don’t return to the lack of compassion and community concern that existed during this period.
“The message of the Cross is the cry of the poor, and even people who became very rich during the Celtic Tiger are crying now and they should not be abandoned either,” he said.
“Times have changed so quickly and the drama provides a unique way for people to reflect on the symbolism and significance of Holy Week
and Easter. I remember years ago, when teaching in Dublin, nobody worked on Good Friday and between 12 midday and three o’clock, no matter what they were doing, they would remain silent,” Fr Fahey said.
He also said he recalls as a young child his grandmother letting down her long hair – which was always pinned up in a bun – on Good Friday in sympathy with the women at the bottom of the cross.
“Traditionally keening women at funerals let down their hair as a symbol of ‘the weeping women’,” he explained.
According to Fr Fahey, the ongoing interest of the youth around Ballintubber in partaking in the unique drama is a beacon of hope.
In the drama, which took place on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday evenings, there is a poignant and moving sequence when the crucified Christ asks: “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” Then a chorus of the poor replies: “My God, my God, why have you forsaken us?” This is repeated several times, culminating in Christ asking: “My people, my people, why have you forsaken me?”
Founded by King Cathal Crovdearg O’Conor, Ballintubber Abbey is known as “the abbey that refused to die” because of the continuous celebration of Mass within its walls since 1216.
It has survived the regal edicts of Henry V11, Cromwellian destruction and the Penal Laws. St Patrick reputedly stopped at the abbey on his walk along the ancient chariot route – Tóchar Phádraig – to Croagh Patrick.
Fr Fahey will celebrate Mass on the shore of Lough Carra at 8am on Easter Sunday.