Cenacolo extending its Mayo house as numbers seeking help for addiction increase
SINCE being established in 1999, the Cenacolo Community in Knock has supported hundreds of people living with addiction to find a new way of life.
Covid has seen increasing numbers of young people seeking their help, and now there are plans to extend the house to meet demand.
The community, who rely 100% on voluntary contributions, welcome any donations to support their work.
A group of local footballers have gone that extra mile - or 582 to be precise - to help the community.
Taking on a 1,500 kilometre running challenge, the senior team at Kiltimagh Knock United smashed that to complete 2,437 kilometres and raise €1,800.
Two beneficiaries were chosen - the Cenacolo Community in Knock and Mayo Down Syndrome community garden, to be located on the soccer club grounds at CMS Park.
While the work and success of the soccer club in Cloonlee is very visible, the invaluable work by the Cenacolo Community in transforming the lives of people living with addiction tends not to make the headlines.
However, since opening in 1999 hundreds of men have found a new life there.
Their stories resonated with the coaches, players and committee at Kiltimagh Knock United, who wanted to give back locally through their Fitness in February Fundraiser. And so they all hit the road over the course of the month.
Organiser James Costello, a senior coach at KK and most recent clubperson of the year, said the charities were chosen as they are local and the squad knew that any money raised would have a bigger impact, and they could see the results locally.
The importance of fitness and mental health, especially during lockdown, was another consideration for holding the event. Said James: “This was a great opportunity for everyone to get out and get active while helping local charities at the same time.”
The Cenacolo Community, who have received a €900 donation, and club have extended thanks to all who supported the fundraiser.
Club chairman Martin Canny said it was a huge team effort and he paid tribute to all within the club and the local community who got behind their efforts.
Going about their work quietly on a small farm in the townland of Aughtaboy, many people may not be aware of the transformative work being done at the Cenacolo house in Knock.
Community Cenacolo Ireland is a free, fully residential programme which helps people suffering from addiction to change their lives.
The first ever house was founded by an Italian nun, Mother Elvira, in 1983 in Saluzzo, northern Italy, in an effort to help people through drug abuse and addiction.
Today, there are now over 70 Cenacolo houses worldwide and they all rely totally on voluntary contributions and donations.
Hundreds of men who had lost their way and were struggling have come to the community’s door in Knock seeking a new life. As yet, there isn't a house in Ireland for women, but women who wish to enter are accepted in Cenacolo houses in Europe.
To be accepted into the community, men and women must attend weekly meetings to prepare for entering. They will be met by people who have already been through the programme and are now living free from addiction and giving up their time to help others achieve the same.
From the first day, a new way of life is shown. Through living a simple way of life, people rediscover the gifts of work, friendship and faith.
As time goes on, they grow into the person they were always meant to be - strong, healthy and at peace with themselves and those around them.
As one member of the community explained: “I’m from Dublin. I entered the house in Knock when I was 25 years of age and it wasn’t easy. I had to face my fears and difficulties without drugs or alcohol for the first time in my life but I have learned so much in the community.
“I have learned to work, speak Italian, play the guitar and more importantly how to live without drugs.
“Now, because of Community Cenacolo, I have choices again and can see a future for the first time in my life.”
Community Cenacolo is a registered charity and is unique in Ireland as there is no charge for the programme - it is completely free and a person can stay as long as they need help and support.
During these Covid times, young people are coming to Cenacolo in greater numbers and the house is now in need of an extra bedroom. Any donations to this project would be very welcome.
The men in the community will do most of the work and funds are mainly required for purchasing building blocks and materials. The funds donated by KK will go towards the project.
If you would like to know more about the Community Cenacolo or to refer a person, please do not hesitate to get in touch.
The contact details are: Our Lady of Knock House, Community Cenacolo, Knock, Co. Mayo, Eircode F12WK74; Phone 094 93 88286, Fr. Declan Lohan on 086 3633328, or Damien Richardson on 086 0644662; email cenacolocommunityireland@yahoo.ie; visit the website at www.communitycenacolo.ie.
For donations, the bank account details are: Bank of Ireland Smithfield D7, Friends of Communita Cenacolo Ltd. Current Account No. 44292674; IBAN IE91 BOFI 9000 9244 2926 74; BIC BOFIIE2D; or cheques can be made payable to Community Cenacolo.
* More on the garden project at KK at a later date