Cathal BarryJack Ruttledge describes his experience of attending a Legion of Mary social night
The Legion of Mary has begun hosting regular ‘Soul Club’ evenings for young people in the Blas café in the Chocolate Factory creative community development in Dublin’s city centre.
This space is a vibrant creative hub located in the Williams and Woods building on King’s Inn Street. The building is home to a wide range of creative projects, innovations and small businesses. The Blas Café on the ground floor is a new addition to the Dublin eating scene where the hipster crowd hangs out.
From martial arts and recording studios, to herbal drinks manufacturing and acrobatics classes, the Chocolate Factory is indeed a versatile world under the radar. It has recently hosted the Electric Picnic launch party, the video set for the band Little Green Cars with the likes of Michael ‘REM’ Stipe, Ali Hewson and Aidan ‘Love/Hate’ Gillan popping in for sustenance.
The most recent Soul Club was no exception to this creative list of events and the Chocolate Factory was a brilliant setting for what promised to be a very entertaining evening. Catholic young adults (in the 18-40 age group) were invited to this eclectic venue and we were hopeful of a decent turnout.
I’m 19 and I was a bit apprehensive as I was not sure how it would compare to the usual college night out, however I needn’t have worried. The underground feel of the Chocolate Factory added to the buzz of the night as people started spilling in the front door. Wine and drinks were in full flow with herbal non-alcoholic options available, if required. The interesting food included a delicious Moroccan tagine with salads, pittas and couscous that was on offer from the Blas café on the ground floor.
The live band The Wayward Pilgrims really got everyone in the mood by showcasing some brilliant guitar and vocals, as well as an enthralling solo performance by one of the American girls. Temple bar is their usual haunt, but they crossed the Liffey for a different kind of night out.
There were people of all ages from all over the country there, as well as over 25 college students from the Franciscan University of Steubenville in the United States. They were in Ireland for the week and finished off their tour by coming down to meet other Catholic young adults. This was great to see as it gave a youthful vibe to the night, which was what the event was trying to capture.
Fr John Harris OP gave an excellent talk afterwards, emphasising the importance of faith and in particular the Legion of Mary and the work that its members do. Even one or two Jehovah Witnesses (that were with the band) were struck by with his clarity and conviction.
As a young Catholic, I think this kind of event is important as it helps us to build up our own scene in the present ‘Groupthink’. Having faith is now the new radical! The Soul Club was also raising money on the night for hostels run by the Legion of Mary. There was a raffle with great prizes and all the money was put towards the hostels.
Atmosphere
I think Our Lady would have gently smiled at the proceedings with over 160 young Catholics in the ‘Hipster Hub’ doing their thing!
The next Summer Soul Club is coming up soon. It is a great way to meet new people, see new bands or just relax with friends in a cool atmosphere where everyone’s having a laugh. Come down to the next Summer Soul Club party, bring your friends and family as it promises to be a great night…. But don’t tell too many …. Just in case the ‘in crowd’ try to follow us!
For information on the next Soul Club in Dublin’s Chocolate Factory, look up Deus et Patria on Facebook or call Garrett on 087-6968762.