Saturday 11th October 2003 was a very special
day for the Parish of Saint Mary's on the Hill. The new Church of
Saint Bernard opened it's doors only eighteen months (to the day)
after the original church was destroyed by arsonists. This momentous
event made possible only by the grace of God, the tireless effort of
our Parish Priest, Father Dan White and the huge amount of support
we have received, both near and far.
The
New Church
rising from the ashes of
the former brings with it an uplifting belief on renewed faith and
is a sign of hope for all of our community.
The Solemn Rite of Dedication ceremony was
officiated by the Bishop of Down and Connor diocese, Dr Patrick
Walsh. The special cross-community service was attended by around 50
clergy including local clergy from all denominations and by civic
leaders from Northern Ireland and Europe, as well as senior police
officers and other guests.
Among the guests were representatives from
Newtownabbey Borough Council and the mayor of the town of Dorsten in
Germany, which is twinned with Newtownabbey in Co Antrim. The German
town having already presented the church with a brass and copper
candleholder, presented the congregation with a
large Easter candle to
symbolise the resurrection and the building of the new church.
The Parish has been moved by the many
donations and gifts we have received to assist us in building the
new church, however one present that has special significance for us
is a
silver
procession cross from local Protestant churches. It will play an
active part in our liturgies.
Photographs of the Dedication
ceremony
click on thumbnail to view full size image. |
