The oldest Catholic Church in Belfast will be reopening for Mass at the end of August, with renovation work to be fully completed by next month. St Mary’s has been undergoing extensive restorations since May, resulting in the Living Youth building, beside the church in Chapel Lane, becoming the venue for Mass since July 17.
The renovation work, expected to total more than £300,000stg, was initially due for completion by August 18, but a delay of three weeks to allow for the remaining amendments to the church exterior such as additional paving and repointing of walls and stonework is now likely.
Fr James Boyle, the administrator of St Mary’s, said: “All additional work should be fully complete by Friday, September 8.”