St. Mary’s Church and the adjacent Presentation Convent have been at the heart of handing on the faith to generations of Lucanians. The Presentation Sisters served the people of Lucan from 1867 to 1994 and made an immeasurable contribution to the education of countless children in the locality.

The present church was built in the years 1835-1840. The first National Census took place in 1841 when the population of Lucan was recorded as 563. Due to the ever expanding population of Lucan, the very Reverend Edmund Brennan was appointed as the first Parish Priest in St. Mary’s in 1953. Up to then St. Mary’s was part of Clondalkin Parish.

Down through the years, the structure of the church has undergone many changes: the removal of the original bell tower during the 1930s due to safety concerns, an extension completed in 1975 and a further renovation in recent years. One feature has remained a constant, the beautiful stained glass window donated by the Moran family of St. Edmundsbury. This work of art in stained glass depicts the gospel story of Transfiguration. In many ways it symbolises the story of St. Mary’s which has seen many transformations since its foundation.

If you'd like a more detailed history of St Mary's Parish, please click here.

The gospel relates that when Peter, James and John witnessed the Transfiguration of Jesus, they wanted to hold on to the perfection of the moment. It was Peter who suggested to Jesus ‘Master, it is well that we are here, let us make three booths, one for you, one for Moses and one for Elijah.’ But transformation or change has its own dynamic. Nothing stands still. And so today, St. Mary’s Lucan moves into a new era of change, joining with its sister parishes, St. Patrick’s, Esker, and Lucan South (Church of Divine Mercy) as wellsprings of faith for a growing community.

Click here for St. Patrick's Parish of Esker, Dodboro and Adamstown home page
Click here for the home page of Lucan South (Church of Divine Mercy)

Last updated: March 2010