IN PICTURES: Parish community gathers to mark 120th anniversary of landmark Limerick church

A SPECIAL Mass to mark the 120th anniversary of a city centre church has taken place.

The pews were packed at St Joseph's Church in O'Connell Avenue for the special celebration.

The Mass, which was followed by a reception in the neighbouring parish centre, was officiated by the Bishop of Limerick Brendan Leahy.

Joining him was retired Bishop of Killala John Fleming, as well as Dean Niall Sloane of St Mary’s Church of Ireland cathedral in the city centre.

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Former administrators of St Joseph’s parish and church were present, as will representatives of the city’s various other Christian religious communities including the Augustinians, Redemptorists, Jesuits and Sacred Heart.

The St Joseph’s Church building dates back to 1904 and was part of the former St Michael’s parish.

Current church administrator Fr Liam Enright described the building as an “oasis of calm and prayer” in the middle of the city.

“The church is more than just bricks and mortar. It is the people of God. We gather in this place handed onto us. It is our legacy and our duty to continue to keep the doors open, the flame of faith alive,” he said.