FOLK PARK SERVICE TO REMEMBER THE VICTIMS OF AMERICAN TRAGEDY
Folk Park service to remember the victims of American tragedy
By Olga Bradshaw
AS THE full horror of the massacre in America contained to unfold this week evoking outpourings of grief worldwide, an interdenominational church service, organised by Omagh Churches Forum, is to take place this evening (Thursday) in the Ulster American Folk Park, near Omagh, at six o'clock.
At that service people in the area will stop to remember the dead of America, pray for their families and for World peace. The service replaces that which was initially planned for Sunday afternoon.
Meanwhile, hundreds of people have signed the Book of Condolence since it was officially opened at the Tourist Information Centre in Market Street in Omagh, and is anticipated that
The service will attract a large number of people eager to show solidarity with the bereaved of America.
For many the unbelievable US tragedy has brought memories pouring back of Omagh's own day of horror when 29 people and unborn twins lost their lives with hundreds more injured after the Market Street car bomb explosion of August 1998.
Thousands are believed to have perished after the horrific plane attack on the World Trade Centre in New York launched by terrorist extremists.
Those attending the short service at the Folk Park are asked to note that the service will begin at 6pm and all are encouraged to arrive no later than 5.45pm to allow them time to make their way to the actual site. An Ulsterbus will provide transport from Omagh and will leave the bus depot at 5.30pm. Following the service it will make the return journey.
Organisers say the service, which will remember in prayer and music the victims and their families, will also include prayers for World peace.
It will take place outdoors at the Pennsylvanian farmhouse, and will be led by the churches, staff at the park, local musicians, pupils from schools and members of the local community.
"It will recognise the worldwide dimensions of the tragedy, which has also impinged on some Tyrone families," a spokesperson said.
Darkest hour
"When Omagh and its people experienced its darkest hour three years ago, the world turned to help, not least the people of America. By holding this service, we the people of Omagh can give something back to the people of America, especially those who have suffered as a result of this tragedy," the spokesperson added.
"The Ulster American Folk Park, itself a symbol of the strong links between Ireland and America, seems a natural and fitting venue," the spokesperson continued.
"We hope this service will show our solidarity with all the victims and their families in their great loss and suffering, and show that we are with them in spirit in this difficult period. Our prayers are with the families at this time of immense sorrow".
Should weather prove inclement, the service may be moved indoors.
Across the district over the weekend, there was a sombre and reflective mood at church services of all denominations.
Church of Ireland rector of Cappagh and Lislimnaghan, Rev. Derek Quinn, said that at all services in his parish a minute's silence was observed to allow the congregations to remember those who lost their lives, the bereaved and the injured.
Prayers were also said for those working at the scene in terrible conditions trying to find survivors and recover the dead, and there were also prayers for wisdom and guidance for World leaders.
"The Bishop, Rt. Rev. Dr. James Mehaffey, asked that at all church services a period of quiet be maintained, and on Sunday night in Strabane at the service for all vestries in the rural deanery, taking in Omagh, Strabane and Castlederg, special prayers focussed on the events in America," Mr. Quinn said.
Magnified
"What happened in America is terrible. It is Omagh magnified," said Mr. Quinn.
"One family in the parish had a daughter flying home and for hours they did not know whether or not she was on one of the flights.
"The family was deeply distressed. This took place at 12.40pm our time, an hour before it happened, so there could easily have been a local dimension to the thing," he said.
"She was diverted and it was hours before her family knew where she was," he said.
He said another family he knew of had a family member in the Trade Centre, but they had managed to get out.
"It was a little too close for comfort," he said.
Special prayers were also key features of the services at Trinity Presbyterian Church and Gillygooley Presbyterian Church in the Omagh district.
In his sermon, Rev. Robert Herron, who recently returned from a pulpit exchange in the US, said he tried to reflect on the whole situation in America, and also said that at Friday's Prayer Walk between the churches he had said the evening prayer from the Liturgy of the Presbyterian Church of the United States.
Meanwhile, on Monday evening a special Mass of Remembrance and Reconciliation for the people of America was held in the Sacred Heart Church in Omagh, at which Rev. Neil Farren officiated.
Tears shed
Fr. Farren said that the past week had seen many tears shed by people across the entire length and breadth of the globe like no other period in time. And he said the devastation caused by the shocking terrorist attacks defied belief itself.
"At this time we share in America's grief, for in part it is our grief too. To the bereaved, the injured and to those awaiting new's of their loved ones, we send our prayers these days as in this special Mass for America. We send, too, our deepest sympathy and solidarity.
"In sharing in their wake we have shed many a tear, watching indescribable scenes on our screens, knowing of countless young children deprived of their mums and dads who went out to work that seemingly beautiful morning. Families have been deprived of sons and daughters, relatives and friends. Five thousand is a round figure not to have returned home," he said.
In his address Fr. Farren said that Tyrone shared in the grief, with construction workers, Sean Canavan and Kieran Gorman, feared dead.
"Many other Irish or of Irish Ancestry are listed among the thousands who worked in the World Trade Centre, or at the Pentagon or were on the ill-fated airplanes that black Tuesday and are new counted among the missing or deceased," he said.
He went on to say that, among the death and destruction there were also great stories of acts of heroism, despite the danger, risking their own lives to get others to safety.
He also praised fellow priest, Fr. Michael Judge, who died at the scene as he administered last rites to a dying fireman.
He said that many more still waited and were weeping as the search went on.
"Once again our prayers go with them this day to assist them in their journey of grief and in the rebuilding of their lives and city," he said.
"We pray at this time for governments all over the world from America to far off seas, that they be guided at this time by higher goals than mere revenge. That we, too, in our daily dealings with fellow human beings may also be directed by higher goals than revenge," he said.
At the service the organist was Marie Campbell and the instrumentalist was Shari Strachure, while the vocalists were the McSorley Sisters and Lorraine Coll.
The readings were by Stacy Hill, a student who worked in the summer months in New York, and who was on the top floor of the Trade Centre the Tuesday before the terrorist attack, and by Mary Devine, whose husband, Stephen, works in New York with her two brothers. Mrs. Devine is a friend of Mrs. Ann Gorman (nee Turbett) from Ballygawley, whose husband, Kieran Gorman, was still missing this week following the United Airlines Flight 175 crashing into the second tower.
Prayers were said by Paul McGrath (Fire Brigade), John Sharkey (ambulance service), Ann Stachure (nurse), Moira Gallagher (carer manager), and by Kate Mulcahy, who survived the Omagh bombing.
Prayers were also said by Bill Russell, a USA citizen from Minneapolis, whose great grandmother, Mary McVeigh, came from Galbally. Mr. Russell is due to return to the United States next week.
Also praying for the victims and survivors of the terrorist attacks was Matt Kelly, who was en route to New York from Ireland on Tuesday last, when his plane was diverted back to Ireland, and Claire McCarrol, a textile artist presently working on a mural to hang in the Clinton Peace Centre at Enniskillen.
By Olga Bradshaw
AS THE full horror of the massacre in America contained to unfold this week evoking outpourings of grief worldwide, an interdenominational church service, organised by Omagh Churches Forum, is to take place this evening (Thursday) in the Ulster American Folk Park, near Omagh, at six o'clock.
At that service people in the area will stop to remember the dead of America, pray for their families and for World peace. The service replaces that which was initially planned for Sunday afternoon.
Meanwhile, hundreds of people have signed the Book of Condolence since it was officially opened at the Tourist Information Centre in Market Street in Omagh, and is anticipated that
The service will attract a large number of people eager to show solidarity with the bereaved of America.
For many the unbelievable US tragedy has brought memories pouring back of Omagh's own day of horror when 29 people and unborn twins lost their lives with hundreds more injured after the Market Street car bomb explosion of August 1998.
Thousands are believed to have perished after the horrific plane attack on the World Trade Centre in New York launched by terrorist extremists.
Those attending the short service at the Folk Park are asked to note that the service will begin at 6pm and all are encouraged to arrive no later than 5.45pm to allow them time to make their way to the actual site. An Ulsterbus will provide transport from Omagh and will leave the bus depot at 5.30pm. Following the service it will make the return journey.
Organisers say the service, which will remember in prayer and music the victims and their families, will also include prayers for World peace.
It will take place outdoors at the Pennsylvanian farmhouse, and will be led by the churches, staff at the park, local musicians, pupils from schools and members of the local community.
"It will recognise the worldwide dimensions of the tragedy, which has also impinged on some Tyrone families," a spokesperson said.
Darkest hour
"When Omagh and its people experienced its darkest hour three years ago, the world turned to help, not least the people of America. By holding this service, we the people of Omagh can give something back to the people of America, especially those who have suffered as a result of this tragedy," the spokesperson added.
"The Ulster American Folk Park, itself a symbol of the strong links between Ireland and America, seems a natural and fitting venue," the spokesperson continued.
"We hope this service will show our solidarity with all the victims and their families in their great loss and suffering, and show that we are with them in spirit in this difficult period. Our prayers are with the families at this time of immense sorrow".
Should weather prove inclement, the service may be moved indoors.
Across the district over the weekend, there was a sombre and reflective mood at church services of all denominations.
Church of Ireland rector of Cappagh and Lislimnaghan, Rev. Derek Quinn, said that at all services in his parish a minute's silence was observed to allow the congregations to remember those who lost their lives, the bereaved and the injured.
Prayers were also said for those working at the scene in terrible conditions trying to find survivors and recover the dead, and there were also prayers for wisdom and guidance for World leaders.
"The Bishop, Rt. Rev. Dr. James Mehaffey, asked that at all church services a period of quiet be maintained, and on Sunday night in Strabane at the service for all vestries in the rural deanery, taking in Omagh, Strabane and Castlederg, special prayers focussed on the events in America," Mr. Quinn said.
Magnified
"What happened in America is terrible. It is Omagh magnified," said Mr. Quinn.
"One family in the parish had a daughter flying home and for hours they did not know whether or not she was on one of the flights.
"The family was deeply distressed. This took place at 12.40pm our time, an hour before it happened, so there could easily have been a local dimension to the thing," he said.
"She was diverted and it was hours before her family knew where she was," he said.
He said another family he knew of had a family member in the Trade Centre, but they had managed to get out.
"It was a little too close for comfort," he said.
Special prayers were also key features of the services at Trinity Presbyterian Church and Gillygooley Presbyterian Church in the Omagh district.
In his sermon, Rev. Robert Herron, who recently returned from a pulpit exchange in the US, said he tried to reflect on the whole situation in America, and also said that at Friday's Prayer Walk between the churches he had said the evening prayer from the Liturgy of the Presbyterian Church of the United States.
Meanwhile, on Monday evening a special Mass of Remembrance and Reconciliation for the people of America was held in the Sacred Heart Church in Omagh, at which Rev. Neil Farren officiated.
Tears shed
Fr. Farren said that the past week had seen many tears shed by people across the entire length and breadth of the globe like no other period in time. And he said the devastation caused by the shocking terrorist attacks defied belief itself.
"At this time we share in America's grief, for in part it is our grief too. To the bereaved, the injured and to those awaiting new's of their loved ones, we send our prayers these days as in this special Mass for America. We send, too, our deepest sympathy and solidarity.
"In sharing in their wake we have shed many a tear, watching indescribable scenes on our screens, knowing of countless young children deprived of their mums and dads who went out to work that seemingly beautiful morning. Families have been deprived of sons and daughters, relatives and friends. Five thousand is a round figure not to have returned home," he said.
In his address Fr. Farren said that Tyrone shared in the grief, with construction workers, Sean Canavan and Kieran Gorman, feared dead.
"Many other Irish or of Irish Ancestry are listed among the thousands who worked in the World Trade Centre, or at the Pentagon or were on the ill-fated airplanes that black Tuesday and are new counted among the missing or deceased," he said.
He went on to say that, among the death and destruction there were also great stories of acts of heroism, despite the danger, risking their own lives to get others to safety.
He also praised fellow priest, Fr. Michael Judge, who died at the scene as he administered last rites to a dying fireman.
He said that many more still waited and were weeping as the search went on.
"Once again our prayers go with them this day to assist them in their journey of grief and in the rebuilding of their lives and city," he said.
"We pray at this time for governments all over the world from America to far off seas, that they be guided at this time by higher goals than mere revenge. That we, too, in our daily dealings with fellow human beings may also be directed by higher goals than revenge," he said.
At the service the organist was Marie Campbell and the instrumentalist was Shari Strachure, while the vocalists were the McSorley Sisters and Lorraine Coll.
The readings were by Stacy Hill, a student who worked in the summer months in New York, and who was on the top floor of the Trade Centre the Tuesday before the terrorist attack, and by Mary Devine, whose husband, Stephen, works in New York with her two brothers. Mrs. Devine is a friend of Mrs. Ann Gorman (nee Turbett) from Ballygawley, whose husband, Kieran Gorman, was still missing this week following the United Airlines Flight 175 crashing into the second tower.
Prayers were said by Paul McGrath (Fire Brigade), John Sharkey (ambulance service), Ann Stachure (nurse), Moira Gallagher (carer manager), and by Kate Mulcahy, who survived the Omagh bombing.
Prayers were also said by Bill Russell, a USA citizen from Minneapolis, whose great grandmother, Mary McVeigh, came from Galbally. Mr. Russell is due to return to the United States next week.
Also praying for the victims and survivors of the terrorist attacks was Matt Kelly, who was en route to New York from Ireland on Tuesday last, when his plane was diverted back to Ireland, and Claire McCarrol, a textile artist presently working on a mural to hang in the Clinton Peace Centre at Enniskillen.
Further Information
Publisher: TYRONE CONSTITUTION
Ref: TC/0934
Published Date: 20-Sep-01
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