Holy Cross Abbey, TipperaryHoly Cross Abbey, County Tipperary is an interesting alternative to the Rock of Cashel, 15 kms away. Less obvious and crowded it has a very curious history and the distinction of having been one of the principle places of pilgrimage in Ireland for over 350 years. Pilgrims visited from all over Ireland to view the relic of the ‘true cross’ or ‘holy rood’ from whence the Abbey it got its name. The relic was set in gold and adorned with precious stones and is believed to have been given to the Abbey by Queen Isabella of Angouleme, widow of King John, in return for the monks kindness in burying her son who was murdered nearby in 1233. This young man 'Pierce the fair', by her second husband Le Brun, Count of La Marche would have been the half-brother of Henry III of England, whose successor Henry VIII would eventually suppress the abbey in 1536, causing it to be to be finally abandoned in 1633....
“Ut non evacuetur crux Christi” that the cross of Christ may never lose its power? Having such a revered and precious relic obviously brought untold wealth to the Abbey at the time. The plantagenets Queens benevolence is remembered in the tomb of ‘good woman’s son’ which is thought to be one of the finest examples of medieval church furniture in Ireland. Carved out of black marble in three divisions with pillared arches topped by an elaborate it is thought to have been either a sedilia (seating for the bishops), a sepulchre for the remains of dead Prince or a shrine for the veneration of the holy relic of the cross. Evidence of the Abbeys long history and association with royalty are also evident in the coats of arms, some original others added at later dates include the cross of St George quartered with those of France, the Butlers, Fitzgeralds and finally the Earl of Ormonde. Having been abandoned for 200 years the Abbey was restored followings a landmark decision in 1966 to withdraw it status as a monument and return it to a place of worship. Still in use to day one cannot help but wonder at the long tradition of veneration at this very special sacred place. |
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