Sacred Heart Church Centenary Irvinestown Co Fermanagh
The evening of Friday 1st June, 2012 was a significant one in the Parish of Devenish. The Centenary Book, a comprehensive History of the development of the Parish, the locality and especially the 100 years of the Sacred Heart Church was launched by Bishop Joseph Duffy, retired Bishop of the Diocese of Clogher.
Front Cover of the Book
The Book details the early Celtic monasteries and their influence in the area around Lough Erne. It further explains how the present Parish and Church came into being with a section relating to the Religious past and present who have come from the families of the Parish or have been part of the Parish. The Sisters of Mercy have been involved in the Parish since 1988 to the present.
Sisters in Sallyswood
It is a fitting tribute to the Sisters that a section of the Book is dedicated to their work and service. On the 14th February, 1988 the first three sisters Srs. Bridie Hunt, Rita McCrystal, and Mary Conway from the Convent of Mercy Enniskillen moved into 55 Sallyswood Irvinestown. The sisters were warmly welcomed by the Parish Priest Fr. Gerald Timoney, and Fr. Joe McVeigh CC. Kindly neighbours and parishioners welcomed the group with gifts and offered practical help and advice.
Srs. Rose Marie Keenan & Bridie Rogers at the Book Launch
Quickly the local children visited the house and over the next number of years the Sisters helped them with their homework. At this stage all three Sisters were teaching in Enniskillen. They continued to help the youngsters as well as inviting them to prayer services and taking them to Mass. Gradually visitation of the homes became a feature of their outreach. Sr. Una Beggan came to Irvinestown 23rd September, 1988 and with Sr. Rita began Parenting Courses and Sacramental Preparation for First Holy Communion and Confirmation. Srs. Bridie and Rita initiated weeks of Guided Prayer and all Sisters were involved in Advent and Lent prayer. Sr. Bridie shared her musical gifts with the children of St. Paul’s Primary School.
The need was felt to acquire another house so on the 20th February, 1989 the Sisters got the keys of the bungalow next door. The new facility meant a spacious room for meetings and a new prayer room. When Sr. Bridie retired from school she spent a lot of time visiting and listening to people and her kind spirit and counselling skills were greatly appreciated.
Srs. Mary Conway & Rita McCrystal (Left) at the Book Launch
Sr. Rose Marie Conlon came to Irvinestown in 1996 and became involved in Prayer Ministry in the Parish. In 1997 Sr. Rita McCrystal went on Sabbatical to America and Sr. Veronica O’Brien replaced her as Diocesan Advisor for Secondary Schools. In 1999 Sr. Bridie Rogers joined Sr. Bridie Hunt and began book-keeping and secretarial work for the Parish Priest Fr. Michael McGourty. In 2005 Sr. Bridie returned to the convent in Enniskillen but still continues her work in Irvinestown. For all the Sisters their time was one of learning for them and of acceptance, sharing, affirmation and love from the people.
Rita McCrystal rsm and Bridie Rogers rsm
Northern Province
