A religious group based in Cavan has progressed its application for planning permission to demolish the buildings at Kilnacrott Abbey in Ballyjamesduff. The graveyard at the former Norbertine Order Abbey is the site where prolific paedophile priest, Fr Brendan Smyth, is buried under concrete.
Direction for our Times CLG is seeking 10-year permission for the demolition of the Kilnacrott Abbey buildings to make way for the construction of an education and retreat centre, comprising of caretakers lodge, 4 three-bedroom dwelling units and 4 multi-occupancy dormitories. The Holy Trinity Abbey, just outside Ballyjamesduff, was bought from the Norbertine Order by Direction for our Times for €610,000 in 2012.
Direction for our Times is a lay Catholic organisation with offices in the USA and Cavan. According to its website, the group is an "approved association in the Catholic Church" and when enrolling, its members become "Apostles of the Returning King." An American woman, involved with the organisation, known publicly as 'Anne' claims that in 2003 she began receiving messages or "interior locutions" from Jesus, Mary and the saints.
Cavan County Council planners requested additional information to support the group's application to develop their spiritual centre at Ballyjamesduff, and that was lodged earlier this month. Their plans also include a 1,258 sq m administration building with dining areas, offices, studios and crèche; conference and education centre and an oratory.
