TRAGEDY HAS STENGTHENED RELATIONS IN COMMUNITY
Tragedy has stengthened relations in this kind, caring community
DRUMQUIN parish priest, Father Kevin Mullan said while Omagh was always noted for its good community relations, the tragedy on August 15, 1998 brought people from both sides of the community closer together and strengthened relations.
"There was an immediate willingness to move on and find the means to work together," he said, "Omagh is a kind, gentle, caring community and somehow people found extra strength to care."
One of the greatest human efforts evident in the aftermath of the atrocity, he added was how people who had a vague religious faith or none at all emerged as carers, leaders, and support mechanisms to those who needed them.
"The human heart had its role to play," Fr Mullan said, "and it played its part well in Omagh during that time. Out of all the pain and hurt people like that really began to shine through. They discovered strengths they might not have known they had.
"Other people realised they had true friends, renewed their faith in humanity, and were inspired," he added, "It has been a long hard journey for everyone but something good did emerge from it solid, strong friendships."
Fr Mullan remembers an upsurge in church attendance following the bomb and says he was pleased at how many people turned to their faith for strength and to find some understanding for what had happened. "My parishioners saw it as an evil deed and a mistaken deed, they did not blame God but turned to God for peace and solace. I was glad to see people return to their faith."
There has also been a close relationship between all the Churches in Omagh following the events of 1998. Although the Omagh Churches Forum had been set up before then, the clergy from all denominations initially reinforced their working relationship to support each other and their parishioners immediately after the bomb and today to reflect the needs of all the community and to continue support for victims and their families.
"It was amazing how people did turn to their faith at the time," Fr Mullan recollects, "It shows the great spirituality of the area."
DRUMQUIN parish priest, Father Kevin Mullan said while Omagh was always noted for its good community relations, the tragedy on August 15, 1998 brought people from both sides of the community closer together and strengthened relations.
"There was an immediate willingness to move on and find the means to work together," he said, "Omagh is a kind, gentle, caring community and somehow people found extra strength to care."
One of the greatest human efforts evident in the aftermath of the atrocity, he added was how people who had a vague religious faith or none at all emerged as carers, leaders, and support mechanisms to those who needed them.
"The human heart had its role to play," Fr Mullan said, "and it played its part well in Omagh during that time. Out of all the pain and hurt people like that really began to shine through. They discovered strengths they might not have known they had.
"Other people realised they had true friends, renewed their faith in humanity, and were inspired," he added, "It has been a long hard journey for everyone but something good did emerge from it solid, strong friendships."
Fr Mullan remembers an upsurge in church attendance following the bomb and says he was pleased at how many people turned to their faith for strength and to find some understanding for what had happened. "My parishioners saw it as an evil deed and a mistaken deed, they did not blame God but turned to God for peace and solace. I was glad to see people return to their faith."
There has also been a close relationship between all the Churches in Omagh following the events of 1998. Although the Omagh Churches Forum had been set up before then, the clergy from all denominations initially reinforced their working relationship to support each other and their parishioners immediately after the bomb and today to reflect the needs of all the community and to continue support for victims and their families.
"It was amazing how people did turn to their faith at the time," Fr Mullan recollects, "It shows the great spirituality of the area."
Further Information
Publisher: ULSTER HERALD
Ref: UH/1562
Published Date: 14-Aug-03
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