Lisburn’s catholic history

perspective.

The book is unique in that it is the story of the Catholic community of the parish of Blaris from the 1600s to the present day.

Written in diary form, it is a social history covering the major events over a four hundred year period and how they affected that community.

Drawing on a variety of sources, including the Vatican archives in Rome, the author has meticulously researched the history of the Catholic church in the Parish of Blaris and in the process has discovered a wealth of information about the people of Lisburn.

“This is not just a book for the Catholics of Lisburn,” explained Pearse.

“The scope of the book extends beyond the Catholic community and chronicles political and other events in Lisburn that have never before been recorded in history books and will appeal to anyone with an interest in Lisburn’s past.

“It is a look at the past and the Church, warts and all.

“It provides a fascinating insight into how community relations, over a four hundred year period, ebbed and flowed as the people of Lisburn, at times united and at times subjected to a sectarian divide, reacted to local, national and international events.

“It will help readers understand how our past has shaped our present and probably our future.

“My thanks go to Lisburn Arts Advisory Committee for supporting this project.

“Without their help this history of Lisburn would not have been documented.”

Pearse will officially launch his book - ‘Lisburn - A history of the Catholic Community of the Parish of Blaris’ in St Patrick’s Pastoral Centre, Chapel Hill, Lisburn on Tuesday (December 16) at 7.30pm.

Copies will be available for purchase.

The book is also now on sale at Waterstones, Bow Street.

To order a copy of the book by post or for further information email [email protected].