The Bishop of Waterford and Lismore says the looming departure of the Dominican Order is a big blow.
Members of the Order are leaving their historic building on Bridge Street at the end of the year.
Since their arrival in 1235, the Domincan Order has had a home in Waterford City.
Now, after almost 800 years, they have announced they will be withdrawing from their Bridge Street priory, St Saviour's on the 31st of December.
They say that declining numbers are behind their decision, meaning they will have to regroup in a smaller number of centres.
The move comes eight years after they closed their Ballybeg priory for the same reason.
In a statement today, Bishop of Lismore and Waterford, Alphonsus Cullinan says he learned with great sadness of their imminent departure, saying it's a blow not only to the Diocese but far beyond.
He says that "over eight centuries these men celebrated the Sacraments, visited the sick and the lonely, fed the poor and brought hope and consolation to many."
In relation to the dwindling numbers, Bishop Cullinan says he prays that new vocations will come.
The Dominicans' last mass will take place in November.
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