Diocesan News
Reasons to be cheerful in Fahan
There was double cause for joy in St Mura’s Church in Fahan, on Sunday evening, as the community launched a year of celebrations marking 200 years of worship in the present building and also a new history of the Parish of Fahan Upper.
Sadly, the book’s author, church organist Mrs Anne Moore, was unable to be present but members of her family were there to see their mother’s book launched and endorsed by the Bishop of Derry and Raphoe, the Rt Revd Andrew Forster. Bishop Forster, who had had the privilege of reading the book in advance, had been invited by the Bishop’s Curate–in–Charge of the Parish, the Revd Judi McGaffin, to preach at a Service of Evening Prayer which also celebrated the feast day of St Mura of Fahan.
Bishop Andrew said it was a great day because they had gathered together “to celebrate 200 years of this beautiful church and celebrate Christian witness in this place stretching back to the sixth century.” It was, he said, an occasion to be thankful to God that under Him, somehow, bricks and mere mortar became special, sacred places to us.
Launching the book about Fahan Upper, Bishop Andrew said parish histories could be very dense publications but that Mrs Moore’s was a very easy and very enjoyable read. He spoke admiringly of the author’s writing style and complimented the publishers on the attractiveness of the new book.
“So, what I’m saying,” the Bishop continued, “is don’t just buy one copy: buy a few and give them away because it’s a really good gift as well.”
After the service, the congregation – which included the Parish Priest of Buncrana, the Very Rev Francis Bradley and some of the Sisters of Nazareth in Fahan – enjoyed refreshments and fellowship in the church.
For further information please contact:
Diocesan Communications Officer, Derry & Raphoe
Mr Paul McFadden
028 7126 2440
07525 826290
[email protected]