The blessing of St Marys Star of the sea church occurred on Sunday 1st February 1976. The solemn ceremony was performed by His Lordship The Most Rev. William J. Philbin DD. Bishop of Down and Connor assisted by Frs Hugh O’Hagan (CC. Killyleagh) and Sean Cahill (later to be 1st PP. Killyleagh).
In his address to the congregation Dr. Philbin referred to the excellent community relations which existed in Killlyleagh and surrounding district. The Mass was concelebrated by Rev Fr. Dominic McHugh PP Kilmore (which included Killyleagh), Fr. Jim Kelly, Fr. Sydney Vaughan, Fr. John Stewart (all three natives of Killyleagh), Canon Larkin, Fr P.J O’Hare, Fr. H. M. McAleese, Fr. J. Courtney, Fr. C. Bready, Fr. P McCann, Fr. Maurius CP, Fr O’ Hagan M.C. The organist was Sister Dorothy, Convent of Mercy Downpatrick.
The total cost of the Church Building was more than £180,000. The architect was Mr Michael Curran of McLean & Forte and the main contractor was Denis Magee and son Downpatrick. After Mass a lunch followed in St. Marys Primary School
In his address to the congregation Dr. Philbin referred to the excellent community relations which existed in Killlyleagh and surrounding district. The Mass was concelebrated by Rev Fr. Dominic McHugh PP Kilmore (which included Killyleagh), Fr. Jim Kelly, Fr. Sydney Vaughan, Fr. John Stewart (all three natives of Killyleagh), Canon Larkin, Fr P.J O’Hare, Fr. H. M. McAleese, Fr. J. Courtney, Fr. C. Bready, Fr. P McCann, Fr. Maurius CP, Fr O’ Hagan M.C. The organist was Sister Dorothy, Convent of Mercy Downpatrick.
The total cost of the Church Building was more than £180,000. The architect was Mr Michael Curran of McLean & Forte and the main contractor was Denis Magee and son Downpatrick. After Mass a lunch followed in St. Marys Primary School