CENTENARY
CELEBRATIONS
THE
BIG MOUND in the eastern graveyard
has been in place for many years. To the best of our
knowledge it began its existence in 1934 when a landslide
took place at the lower cemetery. Due to heavy rain
and nearby street excavations for the new city water
scheme, on 8th January 1934 part of the cemetery fell
out into Lecky Road. The incorrupt body of a young
woman with a Miraculous Medal round her neck was found.
Though she was dead she seemed asleep. The priest
was called and he advised them to get a new coffin
and remove the body to the upper cemetery. She was
re-buried beside the Nazareth Nuns plot. The lower
cemetery was built back into place but, as far as
we can discern, the rubble and debris of the wall
was taken and deposited in the upper cemetery on Long
Tower Street. We think this made up the big mound
that we have to this day.
Two weeks ago we did an investigative dig at the
mound. It was done very carefully with a small earthmover.
The process was carried out by an undertaker and the
Long Tower Restoration Group. Photographs were taken
at every step and the whole exploration was recorded
on video. The incision was made from the rear of the
mound and we discovered just what we expected. The
mound is made up of rubble and clay. It includes bits
of metal railing, stones, blocks and so on. We are
glad to report that there was no trace of coffins
or any human remains whatsoever. Over time, it must
have been used as a kind of refuse pile because not
all the debris is old. With the passing of the years,
the grass, the ivy and now little trees have grown
over it and the mound took on a significance which
it does not seem to merit. We have great reverence
for the dead and so we were meticulously careful with
the project.
What we are proposing, therefore, is to do a complete
examination of the mound. We would work through every
part of it, to discern if there is anything sacred
within it. If we unearth anything belonging to a grave
we would collect these pieces carefully and put them
to one side. When we have finished we would remove
the rubble and over a period of time explore how to
design and build on the same spot a suitable monument
or memorial to the Holy Souls of the Long Tower.
What prompts the project at this time is the Centenary.
During the visit of the Papal Legate for the 9th of
June he will plant an oak tree in honour of St Columba,
just as Cardinal Winning did in 1997. The big mound
presents a challenge to the location of the second
tree and of the commemorative plaques to mark the
occasion. Therefore we are proposing to restore the
cemetery to its original appearance, plant the second
oak tree and then design the lasting monument to the
dead. If you have any information on the subject or
reflections on this project please let us know during
the week. Thank you.
THE CENTENARY MASS WITH THE PAPAL LEGATE
will be open to everyone on Tuesday 9th June at 7.30pm,
Feast of St Columba. We extend a general invitation
to our parishioners and friends. It will be necessary
to reserve a limited number of seats for invited guests.
The remainder of the seats will be available for anyone
else who would like to attend. This should extend
to about 1500 seats which will be there for the taking
– and the praying! Come early to be sure of
a seat!
MAY DEVOTIONS today
Sunday at 6.00pm and each Sunday of May. All welcome.
MASS FOR FIRST HOLY COMMUNION PREPARATION
will take place for the parents of the P4 children
of Long Tower Primary School on Tuesday 19th May in
the school Assembly Hall at 2.00pm.
CEMETERY SUNDAY
The Annual Service of Intercession
for the Dead takes place in the City Cemetery on Sunday,
21 June at 6.00 pm.
REQUIESCAT IN PACE
We extend our sincere sympathy
to the family and friends of
James Friel, 50A
Westland Street. May he rest in peace.
FURTHER TO THE OUTBREAK OF THE SWINE FLU
VIRUS a few weeks ago people are much more
conscious of hand contact and the passing on of infections.
Since we now have a confirmed case of Swine Flu in
the North of Ireland, Bishop Hegarty has advised that
the shaking of hands at the Sign of Peace be suspended.
THE
LONG TOWER ONE HUNDRED
The final opportunity to pay in is closing in. If
you need to check the balance owing on a ticket or
to pay the final instalment, please do so at this
time. If anyone has pre-booked tickets they are available
for collection and payment at the Parochial House
during the week. Any ticket holders who still hold
ticket stubs are asked to return them to the Committee
immediately. A FEW TICKETS HAVE BECOME AVAILABLE FOR
THE DRAW. IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO PURCHASE ONE PLEASE
CALL IN TO THE SACRISTY OR THE PAROCHIAL HOUSE.
ADDICTION – THE FIRST
STEP IN RECOVERY
Learn from the past, plan for the future, live in
the present. Dependence on alcohol, other drugs or
gambling presents life threatening physical and mental
health challenges for individuals, stress and relationship
difficulties in families, financial problems for all
concerned, educational issues for children and young
people, deaths on roads and crime on our streets.
If you are concerned about your dependence on alcohol,
other drugs or gambling, staff in White Oaks Rehabilitation
Centre provide a confidential counselling service
for individuals, couples or families. It has been
said that a journey of 1000 km begins with the first
step. Begin the journey into recovery today. Telephone
R.O.I 074 9384 400 or N.I. Tel 00353 74 9384 400.
MONTHLY PRO-LIFE DEVOTIONS
on Tuesday 19th May in St Columb’s
Church,
Chapel Road commencing at 7.00pm followed by Mass
at 7.30pm. Everyone welcome.
A MASS FOR THE SICK WITH EUCHARISTIC
BLESSING will take place in the Carmelite
Retreat Centre on Tuesday 19th May at 8.00 pm. All
are welcome to attend.
50TH ANNIVERSARY RETREAT IN
ST. MARY’S, CREGGAN
Beginning on Sunday, 24th May with
Rosary Procession at 5.00pm. Monday 25th to Friday
29th Mass each morning at 6.30am and Mission at 7.30pm
with guest speakers. Anniversary Mass on Sunday 31st
May at 3.00pm. All welcome.
COME AND LEARN to
be assertive in a positive and empowering way through
discussion and learning by qualified tutors. Contact
Catherine on 078 5126 0954.
FRIENDS OF RIVERVIEW PARK
PUBLIC MEETING on Monday 18th May at 8.00pm,
Bishop Street Community Centre. All welcome.
THORNHILL COLLEGE TRANSFER
2010
This notice is for the attention of parent/guardians
of children transferring to Secondary School in 2010.
The Board of Governors, Principal and the staff of
Thornhill College invite you to a meeting in the Thornhill
Assembly Hall on Tuesday 19th May at 7.30 pm.
LAST WEEK’S ENVELOPE
COLLECTION £2082.00
LAST WEEK’S RENOVATION
COLLECTION £ 503.00
WE GRATEFULLY ACKNOWLEDGE
THE ANONYMOUS DONATIONS TO THE RESTORATION FUND: £20,
£40, £40, £20, £10, £5.
SUICIDAL?
Counselling available
at ZEST, 15 Queen Street, 7126 6999.
P.S.
‘If people want to have hope and find meaning
in their lives, they need to take God out of the "parentheses".
(Pope Benedict XVI)
