A married couple who describe themselves as a bishop and vicar are
bringing religious devotion to new heights after they transformed their
rented apartment into a church, according to Cork's Evening Echo.
Bishop
Denis Dineen, founder of the Celtic Community Church in Ireland - an
organisation originally founded by Saint Patrick, Saint Columba and
other Celtic saints - is a Mallow-based organisation which describes
itself as “a traditional Anglican Catholic denomination”.
He devised the idea with his wife Vicar Elena Aloysius.
Now
72 years old, the Mallow resident found religion later in life and is
hoping his faith will serve as a beacon to those in dire straits.
Vicar
Aloysius from Switzerland, who joined the order four years ago at just
18 years old, described their unconventional north Cork abode.
“If you walk into our home it looks like a monastery,”
she said. “The first thing you’ll see are holy pictures everywhere and a
bible on the table.
“It’s effectively a mini church with
an altar, flowers and statues. We have a couple of people who come to us
regularly but a lot of our masses are streamed online as well. Over
time we hope to build our community and eventually acquire a bigger
chapel.”
She opened up about home life and the months leading up to their marriage last February.
“Our
church is connected all over the world so it was suggested that I
travel to Ireland in order for Bishop Denis and I to work together. My
boss at the time didn’t believe I would make it a month. For most of the
beginning we would just sit with a homeless person at the side of the
street. Our lifestyle is very strict. We do the sacraments, pray, and
don’t own any properties.
“Neither of us own a car because
we feel it brings us away from the people. We meet so many people
through public transport and get all kinds of reactions.” She recalled
their “no-frills” wedding ceremony.
“We
try to keep our lives very simple and get along very well. Bishop Denis
and I had a civil ceremony for our wedding before blessing the rings at
our own chapel. Our lives are not romantic. My main concentration is
the priesthood as I’ve been living a vow of chastity since the age of 18
years old. As husband and wife we are good companions and do everything
together. We definitely have a different relationship to most married
couples.”
The couple favour helping the homeless over date
nights.
“We travel on foot armed with backpacks filled with sandwiches
and soup. Much of our time is spent going to grocery stores and asking
for things we can give to the poor. I’ve never gone out at night or been
in a pub or club. Even in my teenage years I spent my free time serving
at Mass.”