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Dromantine Inter-Church Gathering:

Companions on the Journey

8th May 2010

 

President Mary McAleese and Rev. Ruth Patterson address an Inter–Church Gathering in Dromantine.

On a beautiful sunny, Saturday May afternoon about 300 people from several different Churches gathered in Dromantine to celebrate the centenary of the ecumenical movement. The theme of the day was "Companions on the Journey."  It began with an opening reflection led by Sr. Mary Connellan and Rev. Patricia McBride which focused on the struggles and pains as well as the joys and hopes of the ecumenical journey so far.

When President McAleese and Dr. Martin McAleese arrived they received a warm, enthusiastic welcome from the entire gathering. In welcoming President McAleese, Fr. Des Corrigan mentioned that while she had visited Dromantine before, this was her first visit as President of Ireland and thanked her for honouring the gathering with her presence. She then gave an insightful and inspirational address and answered questions. We would encourage you to read this address found below. 

Click here for President McAleese's full address transcript

                                                                                                      

 

After a break for afternoon tea, the second session was led by Rev. Ruth Patterson, Director of Restoration Ministries, Belfast. Everybody felt that it would not be an easy task to follow President McAleese, but agreed that Ruth's talk, delivered with so much passion and enthusiasm, was truly inspirational.

Click here for Rev. Ruth Patterson's full address transcript



A short closing liturgy challenged all to commit themselves to continue the journey to greater respect and unity. It was conducted by four people representing the four bigger Christian Churches.

Click here for the full liturgy

Beautiful, reflective music was provided at various times during the day by four local musicians. Fr. Peter Thompson thanked all who had organised the day and those who contributed to it.

 


As people were leaving one participant said, "I have not experienced so much hope and enthusiasm in a Church setting for many years." Others expressed gratitude for the occasion and hoped there would be more such gatherings in future.