GALWAY, Ireland (ZENIT.org) -- More than 1,500 people gathered Aug. 14 on the eve of the Solemnity of the Assumption to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Galway's Cathedral of Our Lady Assumed into Heaven and St. Nicholas.

The chief celebrant of the Jubilee Mass was Cardinal Seán P. O'Malley, archbishop of Boston. He followed in the footsteps of his Boston predecessor, Cardinal Richard Cushing, who represented Pope Paul Vl at the dedication of the Cathedral in 1965. The cardinal was joined by Bishop Martin Drennan; the Papal Nuncio Archbishop Charles Brown; Bishop Brendan Kelly of Achonry, who is a native of the diocese; and by a very large number of active and retired clergy. The leaders of the main Christian Churches in the city were present as were the leaders of Galway's Muslim communities. Cllr Niall Nelis, the deputy mayor, officially represented the civic authorities, accompanied by members of Galway City Council.

In his homily, Cardinal O'Malley spoke of the deep historic links between the United States of America and Ireland and particularly between his city of Boston and Galway. Referring to the cathedral, he spoke of the "glorious temple" on the banks of the Corrib, which is a testament to the enduring faith of the Irish. The cardinal drew attention to the fact that this great church rose from dust of the old Galway Jail and, in dedicating it to Our Lady, assumed into heaven, the people of the city and the diocese again put their faith and their hope in the Mother of God who has never left unaided anyone who seeks her intersession.

Many of those who worked on the building, and who were altar servers, choir members, ushers and volunteers on the opening day were present. A large-scale model of the Cathedral was displayed and the Cathedral Jubilee Choir, under the direction of Mr. Ray O'Donnell, sang.

Also participating in the liturgy were three young deacons who will be ordained as priests for the Diocese of Galway over the coming months -- John O'Halloran from Kilannin, Michael King from Renmore and Daniel Gallagher from Bohermore.

Speaking afterwards, Father Martin Whelan, who works in the cathedral, said "the Jubilee Mass was a deeply moving experience and we are delighted that so many people joined us for this very special celebration. We deeply appreciate the goodwill and the generosity of spirit shown by so many people in recent days that made the event such a fitting commemoration of this fine building."

On Aug. 15 Cardinal O'Malley offered Mass in the Crypt Chapel for Bishop Michael Brown who is buried there. Bishop Brown was the prime instigator, organizer and motivator of the cathedral project. During Mass the cardinal reflected on the energy, enthusiasm, passion and vision of Bishop Brown who "did all things well." The building, he said, is "a fitting testimony to his undoubted abilities." Cardinal O'Malley also spoke of Galway City as being the "jewel of the Wild Atlantic Way" and the Cathedral as "the jewel of Galway City."

The jubilee celebrations will continue in the months ahead. The Classical performers 'The Priests' sang a two-hour repertoire on Aug. 16, to a large audience. Many more events are planned.

In his closing words on Friday evening, the Parish Priest of the Cathedral parish, Canon Peter Rabbitte, made a particular point of encouraging the people of Galway and beyond to come in and explore the Cathedral, their Cathedral, to experience its magnificence, its artistry, and most of all, to experience its capacity to accept, to sooth and to heal.