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Miracles unproven, says Church Commission By Tom Shiel The Archdiocese of Tuam is to have a much stronger say in the running of the controversial "House of Prayer" on Achill Island and the disposition of funds either donated or left in bequest for pious causes. This follows the completion of a major Church investigation into the Centre which was set up four years ago and is now well established with coachloads of pilgrims arriving throughout t most of the year for prayer and meditation. There have also been reports of apparitions and "miraculous happenings" but the Church Commission, set up by the Archbishop Michael Neary, says it has found no evidence which would prove beyond a reasonable doubt that "supernatural phenomena" happened there. However, the Commission, in a Repot released, says it recognises that Mrs. Christina Gallagher and the others involved in the House of Prayer retain the right to believe and assert that miraculous incidents have occurred. The Report continues: "As far as competent ecclesiastical authority is concerned the matter remains open and unproven". The findings of the Church Commission - which was recently joined by a prominent theologian to help interpret the mass of evidence - have been long awaited. WELL ESTABLISHED The House of Prayer, which was set up at Achill Sound over four years ago, is now well established with coachloads of pilgrims arriving every day during the summer to pray and meditate there. Its founder, Mrs. Gallagher claims to have the wounds of Christ on her feet and to have been given a divine insight into the future of Ireland and mankind. As well, there have been many reported healings, some of which were investigated by the Commission set up by the Archbishop of Tuam, Dr. Michael Neary. Although the Commission failed to find "conclusive evidence" that miracles happened, it has been warm in its attitude towards the administrators of the House of Prayer. The Report emphasises there is no reason to question the integrity, goodwill, sincerity or spiriutal devotion or orthodoxy of faith either of Mrs. Gallagher or the others associated with the Centre. It also recognises that a lot of good exists in the work being done and which is ongoing and mentions the difficulties which are involved in dealing with claims of supernatural phenomena. Following the publication of the Commission Report, the Archbishop of Tuam says his chief concern now is to integrate the House of Prayer into the life of the parish of Achill and the diocese in general. UNDER THE WING This effectively means the work of the House of Prayer will come more under the wing of the "official Church" and the Parish Priest of Achill and his curate will be assigned as Chaplain and Assistant Chaplain to the Centre. What is envisaged by the Archbishop is a type of association provided for in Canon Law where a group of people freely band together in order to pursue a particular kind of apostolate or pursue some end related to the Church's mission. Statutes will be draw up and subject to approval. In these Statutes, the House of Prayer will state their business and how they intend to pursue it. From now on, the House of Prayer will be subject to the supervision of the diocese in all matters concerning the administration and disposition of funds either donated or left in bequest for the pious causes. However, the Archdiocese has stressed that the administrators of the House of Prayer will retain "considerable autonomy" in administering their own goods and property subject to the statutes which will be laid down.
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