Bishop, H (2023) The History and Heritage of Mass Rocks with particular reference to West Cork. Skibbereen Historical Journal, 19. pp. 36-62.

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Abstract

The history of Catholicism is an essential component in the history of modern Ireland and the Penal Laws remain an emotive and misunderstood subject. Despite the potential for Mass Rocks to help frame Irish Catholicism within a broader political, economic, cultural and social context, little research has been undertaken to date. This localised study allows for a deeper understanding of Mass Rock sites in Skibbereen and the wider Cork area and an opportunity to reflect upon the location and nature of sites.
The practice of receiving Holy Communion during Mass, the central sacrament in Catholic tradition, linked the congregation bodily to the sacred space of the Mass Rock. Mass would have been an occasion that brought the priest and parish community together on a regular basis helping to create and preserve their sense of identity during difficult times . Today, the physical expression of reverence or veneration toward the sacred is demonstrated by the continued celebration of Mass at a number of sites across Ireland. Their continued use reflects and helps reconstruct and legitimise contemporary Irish identity whilst providing a tangible and experiential connection to Irish heritage and tradition.

Item Type:	Article
Subjects:	B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > BL Religion G Geography. Anthropology. Recreation > GB Physical geography
Divisions:	Liverpool Business School
Publisher:	Skibbereen and District Historical Society
SWORD Depositor:	A Symplectic
Date Deposited:	15 Dec 2023 16:55
Last Modified:	15 Dec 2023 17:14
URI:	https://researchonline.ljmu.ac.uk/id/eprint/22097

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