We don't care. Rev. Reflecting on the period, Father Gary said: It was the nature of it, children had been kept out of it largely [The Troubles], they were sacrosanct. Belfast
This is how it went. Some likened the protest to child abuse and compared the protesters to North American white supremacists in the 1950s. What have you sacrificed?' Celebrating 150 years of the Passionist ministry in Ardoyne. "If you have a situation where you have 10 or 12 priests retiring and really only one priest being ordaned, which is the situation in most Irish diocese at the moment, that tells its own story," he said. The security forces remained outside the school for several months after. [28], In the early hours of Sunday 23 April 2017, a bomb was found by a police patrol outside the gates of Holy Cross Boys' Primary School in Ardoyne. [10], The protest resumed on Monday 3 September, the first day of the Autumn school term. Senior Sinn Fin member Gerry Kelly said: "It's like something out of Alabama in the 1960s". a Catholic mother who lives in Ardoyne, is parish priest of Holy Cross Church
Until then, he is effectively managing the largest pastoral area on the island of Ireland - including 51 parishes in the Diocese of Derry with 260,000 Catholics and a further 406,000 Catholics across the 86 parishes in Down and Connor. Vigil 7pm, Sun. Holy Cross is a girls-only Catholic primary school in the Ardoyne area of north Belfast. How the episode started remains disputed. No, I'm a mother. He told The Irish News that Bishop McKeown's comments rang true, noting that it was rare for him to have any significant time off. 2023 BBC. Friday 7 September: Loyalists held a silent protest as children and parents passed through the security cordon. And for a time in 2001, before an even more grave event in New York replaced it in the world's collective consciousness, it made headlines around the globe. In the aftermath of the French Revolution, a young priest and gifted preacher Fr. "One Sunday at Mass I said ' I could turn round and say, how many sons have you given to church? I did so against the ear-splitting sound of protesters blowing whistles. A north Belfast priest has said a confrontation with protesters on Saturday reminded him of the 2001 Holy Cross dispute. "The reality is that there's no down time. There was a claim one of them was knocked off a ladder. Rev. [13] 24 RUC officers were hurt. The picket was not resumed and the situation has been mostly quiet since then. [1] Anne Bill, a community worker who was centrally involved in the protest, said "Protestants felt they weren't getting a fair deal under the Good Friday Agreement. Language links are at the top of the page across from the title. Wednesday 26 September: Protesters threw fireworks at children and parents returning from the school during the afternoon. When Holy Cross teachers asked girls in Primary 6 (aged 910) to draw a picture many had drawn mothers and fathers crying, surrounded by people with angry faces. The picket resumed on 3 September, when the new school term began. As a result, your expectations lower, but that's not the case for people who don't attend regularly. 432 Crumlin Road
The North Belfast Community Action Unit was set up to foster inter-community talks, focusing on social and economic issues of interest to Ardoyne and Glenbryn. . There I met mostly good people trapped by location and a history they didn't write. John Friel CP (Rector);. Catholics were forced out of other mixed areas at the time. My job was to relay this live on BBC Radio Ulster's Good Morning Ulster programme which remained on air way past its scheduled end time of 09:00 BST. Holy Cross Priests | Congregation of Holy Cross Monday 19 November: The media reported that the father of one of the schoolgirls had begun a. Friday 23 November: In the afternoon there was a rally in the middle of Belfast in support of the schoolchildren. [22] Catholic parents and Protestant residents held separate meetings to discuss the situation. From the first days of their arrival on the 'green grassy slopes of Ardoyne' to recent events that have marked the story of this community in north Belfast, the Passionists have shared in the struggle and in the dignity of a fiercely proud community. Fr Raphael, one of the pioneering Passionists who arrived at Ardoyne in 1868 to establish the Holy Cross parish. [12], The morning blockade continued on Thursday 21 June. Gary Donegan: Ardoyne protest was like Holy Cross - BBC News [24], The Holy Cross protest was said to have heightened sectarian tensions in Northern Ireland in a way not seen since the Drumcree dispute in the mid-1990s. The school was thrust into the international spotlight, when hundreds of loyalist protesters tried to block the route taken by the school's pupils and their parents, who were from a Catholic background, on their walk to class. Ardoyne confrontation was like Holy Cross dispute, says priest Times have certainly changed though, and faith is no longer something that can be taken for granted. Picture by Hugh Russell. Echoes of that experience were felt again in the early years of the Troubles. With around 3,000 funerals and 800 marriages celebrated in the diocese each year being priest-led in the context of the Mass, he said meeting these "unsustainable expectations" was no longer possible. Priest shortage will mean not every family can have Requiem Mass If you have a complaint about the editorial content which relates to THE mid-1800s was a defining period in Belfast's history. I could feel for that mother.". Michael Kelly, Editor of the Irish Catholic Newspaper, said the situation in Down and Connor was reflected across Ireland and the church was now approaching "a demographic cliff edge" with the number of priests retiring. The town was being. ", Me: "How would you have felt this morning if a child had been killed? Fr Gary Donegan (inset) and a scene from the Holy Cross dispute, Ardoyne North Belfast. Everyone remembers the girls, some crying, being taken to school by parents with police shielding them from angry people shouting insults from the "other side". Dispute in Ardoyne, Belfast, Northern Ireland, A pupil from Holy Cross Girls School with a British soldier, Security forces, schoolchildren and parents, Ulster loyalist protesters, including members of, 170+ policemen and several British soldiers injured, United States Special Envoy for Northern Ireland, Shadow Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, http://www.niassembly.gov.uk/globalassets/Documents/RaISe/knowledge_exchange/presentations/series3/gaffikinppt241013.pdf, "Ardoyne stories: Behind nationalist lines", "Ardoyne Stories: Peace lines and division", "Holy Cross school, Belfast: two years on", "All we wanted was to get our kids to school", "Violence returns to disputed Belfast school", "How my daughter was cast into a maelstrom of hatred", "Armed guards deployed to protect Catholic teachers", "Adair's brother jailed over Holy Cross riots", "Holy Cross pipe bomb raises fear that loyalists may revive dispute", "Belfast priest protests at BBC re-enactment of sectarian hatred outside Holy Cross school", No 'Holy Cross II' vows DUP following loyalist protest outside school, "Holy Cross school bomb 'significant shape', police say", CAIN Chronicle of the Conflict for 2001, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Holy_Cross_dispute&oldid=1150956172, Riots and civil disorder in Northern Ireland, Articles with dead external links from August 2021, Short description is different from Wikidata, Articles with unsourced statements from August 2022, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License 4.0, Tuesday 4 September: Loyalist protesters tried to block access to the school, but riot police forced a path through the protesters and lined the road with armoured vehicles, creating a cordon for the children and parents to walk through. FORMER president Mary McAleese was among the congregation at a Mass of thanksgiving to mark. However, within months they had cleared the debt and started work on a church. Ardoyne Sinn Fin councillor Margaret McClenaghan says the common perception was that loyalists were being rewarded for intimidating schoolgirls. Picture by Ann McManus, Clergy, including former rector Fr Aidan Troy, at the Holy Cross Mass of Thanksgiving. Picture by Hugh Russell. The mill workers were poorly paid and there was often high unemployment - an unfortunately recurring theme over the years. Ironically the daughter, she was able to bear the pain of all of that, but the Mammy couldnt., Proud people As a result of the arrests, the group representing the protesters, CRUA, announced that it had "suspended all business until further notice". St Andrew - Holy Cross - Holy Cross Basildon - Church of England A NORTH Belfast priest who was forced to conduct a funeral Mass in the car park of Holy Cross church in Ardoyne following a security alert has described the drama that unfolded . This left Holy Cross in the middle of a Protestant area and some of the schoolchildren had to walk through it to get to school. [21], The following day, the Holy Cross school was forced to close for the day. The "scenes of frightened Catholic schoolgirls running a gauntlet of abuse from loyalist protesters as they walked to school captured world headlines". Nevertheless, community workers from both sides admit progress has been slow.[1]. "Within 15 years, and for the first time in the history of the diocese, will have more retired priests than priests in active ministry.". However, before going to the school the children and parents held a prayer service and a minute's silence for the victims of the. The Northern Ireland Office announced that permanent CCTV cameras would be installed on the Ardoyne Road. I'm a mother of five children. Some of the schoolchildren sat their "11-plus" exams. Sunday 9:30am - Holy Communion @ St Andrew's Sunday 11:15am - Holy Communion @ Holy Cross Wednesday 9:30am - Holy Communion @ Holy Cross. is a
The trouble came after an explosion at the rear of Catholic homes next to a peace line. Police officers in riot gear escorted schoolgirls and their families past the protesters in 2001, A large police convoy waited to protect the Holy Cross school run in 2001, Children held hands tightly with family members as they passed police and Army lines, The daily school run became a traumatic experience for children, RUC officers shielding an injured colleague during the 2001 Holy Cross dispute, Police in riot gear protected families from attack on the school run, Catholic priest Fr Aidan Troy helped shield schoolgirls on their walk to school, The top secret WW2 disaster that cost hundreds of US lives. Stones and bottles were thrown at the children and their parents; one woman was injured. Third Sunday of the month (January-October only) 4:00pm - Evensong at Holy Cross (Church open from 3:00pm for musical Entertainment) Our services will still allow us to use some social distancing. Evening Prayer is on Thursdays at 5pm on Zoom (contact the Rector) and there are regular . BT14 7GE, Holy Cross Parish 2022 | parishservices.co. Tuesday, 23 May 2023 ePaper Novena Mass, First Friday: 7pm Daily Readings WEBCAM Church Services TV Alternative Link Some other schools in the area closed early due to fears about the safety of schoolchildren. During the Troubles, almost 20 people were killed near the peace line by loyalists, republicans and the British Army. Allan Preston 28 May, 2023 15:49 A growing shortage of priests in Down and Connor will soon mean it is no longer possible to provide a funeral Mass for every family, a bishop has warned. Brian McKee reflects on the unique bond between the community and its priests Brian McKee 28. Picture by Ann McManus. Picture by Ann McManus, Get the day's headlines delivered directly to your inbox, Former Northern Ireland women's footballer fears UDA threat over Sandy Row brawl, Three people charged with assault over Newry incident involving golf clubs, Mountain man walk raises over 13,000 in memory of Kieran Monaghan, Rare Star Wars figurine worth up to 15,000 to go to auction, Number of patients waiting a year for NHS care rises by 15%, 3 of the best vineyards in the world and why you should visit them, Raspberries galore: How and why to get more of them in your diet, Peter McGahan: Making good financial decisions, Tax Corner: 'Nudge' letters explained and why HMRC may have sent you one, The mysteries of the Orient are again on the Bluffer's bucket list, Tom Cruise: action-packed Mission: Impossible 7 is "epic in every sense". A pipe bomb was thrown, probably aimed at police, but the explosion was loud enough to send children into hysterics. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. Originally from Newry, he spent time as parish priest in South Africa, Glasgow (St Mungo's 2012-2016) and Holy Cross since 2016. Ardoyne was one of the most deprived areas of Northern Ireland. During the evening, hundreds of loyalists and nationalists (up to 600) clashed with each other and with the police. It was blessed and dedicated by Dr Dorrian in January 1869. And for a time in 2001, before an even more grave event in New York replaced it in the. The blast caused an oil tank to catch fire and the flames spread to three houses, one of which was completely destroyed. We've had enough fear and we can't take it no more. [10], Talks between the protesters and the schoolchildren's parents took place over the summer, but no agreement was reached. It was with sadness, Fr. In more recent years, parades disputes have raised tensions in the area. Fr Raphael, one of the pioneering Passionists who arrived at Ardoyne in 1868 to establish the Holy Cross parish. Afterwards, there was a gathering in the recently refurbished Houben Centre, which acts as a pastoral centre and is the focus of many cross-community and peace and reconciliation projects. A retreat house and monastery - the first built in Ulster since the Reformation - followed in 1881 and by 1902 the splendid Church of the Holy Cross was completed. Picture by Mal McCann, A view of Butler Street taken from Holy Cross Church in 1966. Loyalists allege that the car from republican Ardoyne estate rammed the ladder and knocked the two men off. Woman one: "There must be a reason why we're doing this. Loyalists blocked the main road at about 4:30. Do we need Patten Mark II? The priest caught in the global spotlight over loyalist protests against Catholic children walking to Holy Cross school in north Belfast has called on Ardoyne residents to allow Orangemen to march . Twenty of the schoolchildren also met Bertie Ahern, then Taoiseach, during a short visit to Dublin. Picture by Hugh Russell THE mid-1800s was a defining period in Belfast's history. [21], In February 2002, Holy Cross schoolchildren travelled to County Galway for a free holiday as guests of Peacock's Hotel. Holy Cross, Belfast city - Catholic Parish Registers at National Library of Ireland; This page was last . At its heart are the innocents who attended Holy Cross Girls' School. We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The first vow taken by a Passionist on the day of his religious profession is "to keep alive the memory of the Passion" and on the streets of Ardoyne this vow is not expressed through pious prayer or devotion, but in the lived reality on a daily basis as people seek hope in the midst of pain, affliction, conflict and death itself. To listen to, and view the clips, you will need the free Realplayer plugin from real.com. ", Woman one: "I'd have felt terrible. Fr John Craven (77), parish priest of Holy Cross in Ardoyne, passed away on Thursday. Tom Kelly: The PSNI is failing. Black & white RM C2DMC6 - Holy Cross church in the Ardoyne North Belfast Northern Ireland RM M965XD - The funeral of a priest, Holy Cross, Ardoyne, Belfast. Some protesters shouted sectarian abuse and threw stones, bricks, fireworks, blast bombs and urine-filled balloons at the schoolchildren, their parents and the RUC. [26][27] Fr Aidan Troy, head of the board of governors of the school, expressed concern that the drama could reignite the problem. "To say that to a young person today, it takes a very particular kind of person to be attracted to that and they're few and far between.". Holy Cross primary school in the Glenbryn estate, is
Now that we know that, that puts that interesting priest from Ardoyne holy cross priest Aidan Troy on a bit of a sticky wicket. Chris Donnelly: The Orange Order can learn from File an Phobail, Bella Blue Eyes can continue progress with Killarney win, Watch My Tracer should defy penalty to score at Windsor. Aidan Troy - Wikipedia get rid of the school. Comments have been closed on this article. Fr Fernando - a builder before becoming a Passionist - is fondly remembered for his hands-on approach to building new homes. Ardoyne, attends
Holy Cross Church is marking the 150th anniversary of the Passionists coming to Ardoyne. Protestant community worker who lives in the Glenbryn estate, is
During the 30-year conflict known as the Troubles, Ardoyne had become segregated Ulster Protestants and Irish Catholics lived in separate areas. Father Gary is now based in Tobar Mhuire retreat in Crossgar, Co Down but travels every day to the Passionist Peace and Reconciliation Office on the Antrim Road. Fr. He also said that, at times, there could be angry reactions from people who weren't regular church goers when they learned a priest was not available to cover a funeral. Video, The top secret WW2 disaster that cost hundreds of US lives, Australian man and his dog survive months at sea, Second Canadian firefighter dies amid record blazes, Twitter loses half ad revenue since Musk takeover, Swimmers injured in dolphin attacks on Japan beach, 'French icon' actress Jane Birkin dies aged 76. We went first to Battery Park, a residential area near the World Trade Center, where people unable to return home watched lorry after lorry carry away the rubble of their lives. He said "The treatment of these children is inhumane and their right to effective education is being affected". Holy Cross Boys PS, Belfast Speaking of the events he said: We were going from 5.30 or 6 in the morning to 2am. Picture by Ann McManus. There was also violence on North Queen Street and Limestone Road.[10]. Other protesters alleged that IRA members were using the children's journey to-and-from school to gather intelligence. "This model that we've had of just expecting the priest to do everything is just not going to be possible in the future. Building peaceful futures starts from within, Rare Star Wars figurine worth up to 15,000 to go to auction, Number of patients waiting a year for NHS care rises by 15%, 3 of the best vineyards in the world and why you should visit them, Raspberries galore: How and why to get more of them in your diet, Peter McGahan: Making good financial decisions, Tax Corner: 'Nudge' letters explained and why HMRC may have sent you one, The mysteries of the Orient are again on the Bluffer's bucket list, Tom Cruise: action-packed Mission: Impossible 7 is "epic in every sense". About 500 people attended. A book telling the history of the Holy Cross parish has been produced to mark its 150th anniversary. Can US and China set aside rivalry for climate action? Long before the tragedy of the loyalist picket at Holy Cross Girls' School in 2001 and 2002, sectarian strife was visited upon the parish. Three Catholic-owned homes on Newington Avenue were badly damaged in a loyalist pipe bomb attack. Extreme heat intensifies across south-west US, Alcaraz ends Djokovic dominance to win Wimbledon, Iran's morality police to resume headscarf patrols, Jane Birkin: Artist and style icon's life in pictures, The Capitol rioters who regret saying sorry, How world-record mania has gripped Nigeria. Read More:Holy Cross celebrates 150 years of carrying the flame of faith. Tom Kelly: The PSNI is failing. But with the dedication and service which has been a hallmark of the Passionists in Holy Cross, those pioneering priests set about their task; the debt was cleared, and within months work started on a church. PRIESTS. A Catholic mother claimed she was punched in the face as she walked home from the school with her child. The IRA were suspected of involvement as forensic evidence linked the gun with an IRA shooting in 1997.