Aidan Troy

In 2002, a vision for risking reconciliation in in Ardoyne/Woodvale, in North Belfast, was set out. The core was to be a creche in a cross-community centre based on the now derelict former Holy Cross school building. The dream was that this wonderful, but deeply divided, community would write together the final healing scene of the Holy Cross School protest of 2001. The legacy would be win-win. The obstacles after 2002 emerged with great force. But they could not silence the urgency of call of the Kingdom of God to attempt what seemed impossible. People around the world rallied to the cause with moral and financial support. Nobody said it would be easy, but nobody said it was anything but right. That was until today.

In Dublin today, 29th June 2009, I listened at a passionist meeting to the news that the dream was dying. Now a Catholic Parish Centre is proposed for this ‘interface’ site. There is no doubt that the Catholic Parish needs and deserves a parish hall. But a centre for people of every parish, of every religion and none, would have sown the seeds of a new dawn for this bruised and hurting community.

I welcomed the Loyalist weapons decommisioning by a message I sent to one of their leaders. Tonight, back in Paris, I am sad that we haven’t matched their act. Do we  lack the faith to launch into the deep with a prophetic cross-community centre? Please let me know if we can restore courage to those who are letting the dream die. Together we can help them recover courage and hope for a better furture for all                                                                                                                           AT

Am in Galway University as a speaker at a 2 day conference on Family Support. It is a great experience. There are over 200 attending the conference and I made a one hour presentation and held a one hour workshop. Will be back to Paris on Saturday to take up weekend duties. The Ryan Report on abuse has featured. Galway University is situated near the Cathedral where I attended Mass at 6 pm.             AT

Triduum in honour of St Charles of Mount Argus was a real privilege to preach and celebrate in Dublin. This marked the second anniversary of Canonization of Charles of Mount Argus. You can even see and hear the Triduum on the Mount Argus website - but I leave that entirely up to you! The Passionist community and the  people coming each day gave me a great welcome. I lived for many years in Mount Argus Monastery, Dublin. Back to porridge now. The Summer Fair is on tomorrow, Saturday. Please God the weather will remain sunny and warm. While away I was so sorry to hear of the sudden death of John Smyth. Last weekend I arranged with John to come in on Monday as usual to count the church collection. He was so faithful to this and took great care to keep accurate records. May he rest in peace. Last Sunday night after 10 pm I left Charles de Gaulle Airport little realising that a tragedy would soon unfold with a flight to that airport from Brazil. May those who died so suddenly rest in peace and may the broken-hearted families and friends get the strength to come through these terribly sad days.   AT