Christenings at Star of the Sea

Issue 46 Autumn 2015

AINE DONAGHY – parents Stephen and Davinia (grandparents Jim and Susan) ALEXANDRA ARMSTRONG – parents Gary and Maura

MICHAELA LOGUE – parents Dermot and Roisin and brothers Joseph and Ryan ARIA WARD– parents David and Laoise (grandparents Maura and Liam Hickey)

ELLEN McALARY – parents Darren and Catherine NIAMH MULHERN – parents Keith and Maria

Inside this issue Sing Hosanna! Papal honour for Sheila Distant memories

OISIN QUINN – parents Niall and Stephanie (baptised by Fr Andrew Black during Fr TESS DAVIDSON – parents Adrian and Natasha and grandmother Christine Cover Photo by: Abigail Doherty Austin’s absence) Loughran Bishop Tony celebrates Printed on FSC Certified paper from well managed forests. [email protected] This is the year and “Autumn...the year’s last, loveliest smile.” the season for the South Africa – Distant Memories In the past we have expressed our would be delighted to hear from any Synod of Bishops in gratitude to all our contributors, and other young amateur photographers Rome on topics related indeed without your valuable input out there. This time last year Benoni (‘son of my sorrow’ in Hebrew), the place of my birth, Fr Urban O’Sullivan, a Franciscan, was the Bishop’s secretary to the family and Stella Maris would not make it into we featured a piece by Maurice is in South Africa at the southernmost tip of the continent of in Pretoria. A great friend of my father, we were invited to lunch evangelization. The 4-25 Oct. synod the homes of all parishioners three McAleese which we dubbed A Africa. A small town then, it is now a city on the East Rand in the at Bishop’s house when he was away. I was amazed at the size province of Gauteng. My parents had emigrated from Ireland in of the dining table. The nuns provided us with a lovely lunch. A will have the theme: “The vocation times a year. But, lest we forget, Golden Moment in one’s Life. At 1930. Dad, who was from Kerry, was going out to his uncle who glass bowl containing water with a delicate flower was placed and mission of the family in the there is another group of supporters the time we talked about making at each setting. Mom informed us that they were not part of church and the modern world.” had business interests in Johannesburg and my Mom had got who play an equally important role this a regular item. Now, the call is a job as Matron in one of the hospitals. They met and married the meal! The bowls were for finger dipping after the meal, an Pope Francis has asked us to pray in bringing the magazine to your going out again, asking parishioners in Benoni and had an extremely happy marriage, as each had etiquette of the time. My sister and I were given the run of the for the synod and suggested these letter boxes, and these are our to take pen to paper and in found the perfect soul mate. My beloved father’s death at a house and garden and chatted to the nuns or any other priests words: Jesus, Mary and Joseph, in advertisers, whose support goes approximately 500 to 700 words tell young age was a tragedy for all of us and our small fractured who were visiting. Sadly Fr Urban died at the age of 47 after you we contemplate the splendour a long way in defraying expenses. us of your own experience. To start family would never be whole again. mowing the lawn on a very hot day to get it ready for a special church event. of true love, to you we turn with Yes, we may thank them, tell the ball rolling I will write a piece for The political and social climate that I grew up in was a reflection trust. Holy Family of Nazareth, them they are in our prayers and the next issue, knowing that I can of the Apartheid system. The Apartheid (one nation) machine Johannesburg, or Joburg as the locals call it, is now the biggest grant that our families too may be such like, but would it not be a always use editorial privilege and was still in force. The Group Areas Act which was adopted in city in the Gauteng province. Sandton, a Johannesburg business places of communion and prayer, better idea if, alongside that, we bin it should we receive a barrage of 1950 banned black people from living, operating businesses and shopping district is Africa’s richest square mile. As a authentic schools of the Gospel and were to make a genuine effort articles of superior literary quality. or owning land anywhere other teenager it was a special treat to visit over the coming months to hike than in their designate areas. There Joburg to buy something for a special small domestic Churches. Holy The team, Eugene, Adrian, Aaron up our patronage in recognition was labour, education and even event. In those days it was little more than Family of Nazareth, may families and I thank our contributors. We of that contribution, with a few religious segregation. We attended a big town. Today it is known as the ‘City never again experience violence, can be reached through Eugene, understandable exception, please the Dominican Convent boarding of Gold’, home to over 23000 millionaires. rejection and division: may all Outside the Chapel Gates, school where only white children God. A big thank you, therefore, to Soweto, a cluster of townships spread who have been hurt or scandalized and the parish office, e.mail: were educated. Black children, all our advertisers. across a vast area southwest of find ready comfort and healing. portstewartparish.co.uk, telephone unfortunately, had little access to a Johannesburg was from the start a good education. We knew nothing Holy Family of Nazareth, may the And a big thank you also to Abigail 70832534. Or contact me direct product of segregationist planning. It was about the lives of these children as approaching Synod of Bishops Doherty (age 13) who supplied the 70833042, e.mail: farren@myway. at the centre of campaigns to overthrow we were never in contact with them. make us once more mindful of the photograph featured on the cover com. the apartheid state. In 1976 there was a The African had to carry passes at all sacredness and inviolability of the of this issue of the magazine. We student uprising and this spread to the times, failure to do so meant a fine or Patricia Farren rest of the country. When I was in South family, and its beauty in God’s plan. even a prison term. Dad often went Africa whites were strictly forbidden to Jesus, Mary and Joseph, graciously to the police station armed with a enter any African township. These were hear our prayer. bottle of whiskey or brandy in order notorious areas at one time. There was, Into the History Books to get one of his employees released. The Pope is also visiting Central and and still is, a very high crime rate as well Friday 4th June was a truly special to give them endless rousing cheers. Most Europeans were hostage to this North America finishing with the as murders, especially at weekends. The occasion for the whole St Colum’s Afterwards they were taken back to system but treated their servants very Festival of Families in Philadelphia problems of Soweto are poor housing, community. Pupils, parents, the school and everyone was treated well, all be it in a paternal way. 26 and 27 September. It will be overcrowding, high unemployment and grandparents & staff gathered together to a photographic record of the year’s worth attending to his wise and Most Afrikanners supported apartheid poor infrastructure. There are still homes to celebrate the school football team’s campaign. challenging words. and its philosophy. Their forefathers there made of corrugated iron sheets. historic success in all three local soccer I was in Rome on 5th Sept with Mr Shaw would like to thank Mrs were the Voortrekkers (first walkers) Africans like to frequent the numerous competitions - the 5 a-side Mullan Cup, who were involved in the ‘Great shebeens and drink their local beer. Some around 100 Irish people and 5000 McCullagh, school principal, for her the 7 a-side Killowen Cup and the 9 Trek’ in South Africa between 1835 smoke dagga (a drug) and drink mooti, support throughout the team’s campaign, others involved with Parish Cells a-side Doherty Cup. The team have and 1840. The main reason for this a concoction made up by witch doctors. Seamus Reynolds, joint coach, for all his throughout the world. You can written themselves into St. Colum’s trek was the unrest on the eastern This mixture causes mayhem in some assistance and advice, all the staff who watch it on YouTube – Fr John history books with this tremendous border. The government was unable lives. contributed to the team’s success, the to separate the Xhosas (tribes) from Forsythe and I are about 30 mins achievement. Since Mandela and the coming of parents for all their support and flexibility the whites and the two groups kept into a 40 min video – “Audience for democracy the political, social and They marked the occasion with a meal in ensuring the boys were able to attend clashing. The Xhosas were killing the Parish Evangelisation Cells”. The economic landscape has changed in Morrelli’s. As they left, the boys were all training. Finally, he would like to thank farmers’ animals and the whites in Holy Father sees this movement radically. Middle class Africans can turn occupying the black’s territory. surprised with an open-topped bus all the players who have been part of this now afford luxury items but the majority of Africans have not as building a sense of family in In 1835 twelve thousand Boers (farmers) left the Cape Colony which paraded them around Portstewart, truly special team with a never say die benefited in regard to decent housing or a higher standard of parishes. He said “Meeting in homes and trekked into the interior by ox wagon in search of land while the school community gathered attitude and a burning desire to win. living. to share the joys and expectations where they could be free from British control. They endured that are present in each person’s great hardships and because of their harsh history these farmers A few years ago Leo and I visited Soweto with some friends. heart, is a genuine experience of built a unique identity calling themselves Afrikanners, a fiercely There were encouraging changes but it was still a deprived evangelization that is very similar independent race. area with evident poverty. Winnie Mandela’s luxury bungalow sits uneasily among the tin shacks. We were taken to ‘The to what happened in the early Pretoria, named after the leader of the Voortrekkers Andrius Blue Fountain’ a smart nightclub owned by a wealthy black Pretorius, is one of the country’s three capitals. One of the days of the Church.” Every parish man. After being given a free drink we were presented with a points of interest there is the Voortrekkers Monument. The organisation builds the community certificate making us Honorary Citizens of Soweto. of the Parish of Portstewart in massive granite structure is prominently located on a hilltop and was built to commemorate the Voortrekkers who left the different ways. On a holiday to Ireland I met my Husband Leo at a dance Cape. In the monument is one of the worlds’ larges marble in Bundoran over half a century ago. He was tall, dark and May God bless the work of us all friezes which depicts the tribulations of the Voortrekkers. There handsome and I was young and foolish and found the weather in building up the Body of Christ is a wonderful tapestry of more than three million stitches that and isolation from family very difficult. We were blessed with five during this new academic year. pictures the story of the women and children. Our family was children and have survived our 50th anniversary so I have had present at the opening of the Monument. It was a great day the best of two worlds. Father Austin but did not have the same meaning for us as it did for the Teresa Dolan Afrikaaners. Page 1. Page 2. Papal Honour Bishop Tony It was with great enthusiasm that, in June, our parish marked the fiftieth anniversary of Bishop Anthony (Tony) Farquhar’s ordination to the priesthood with a special Mass at which he presided followed by a reception in the Parochial for Sheila Centre. The evening was an occasion for prayerful One of the highest accolades in the problems. Sheila’s shop on the thanksgiving for Bishop Tony’s fifty years Catholic Church, the Benemerenti promenade, where she worked for 52 of priestly service as well as one that with medal, has been awarded by Pope years before retiring, still bears her anecdotes, music, song and dance celebrated Francis to one of our parishioners, name. A tender reminder of the kind his many years among us as chaplain at the Sheila Conway. and gentle lady who never spared University and at Dominican College. At a very special ceremony in Star of herself in the service of others. the Sea, in the presence of Bishop Sheila’s dedicated work with the Bishop Tony is a Belfast man from the Upper Anthony Farquhar, Fr Austin McGirr, Legion of Mary brought her in contact Ormeau Road area of the city. He was educated Fr Raymond and visiting dignitaries, with so many parishioners through at St Malachy’s College and at Queen’s University parishioners and priests, as he made himself available to Sheila was presented with her medal, caring visits. Her work with the Junior where he read Classics, followed by four years of theology help out in whatever capacity he could. The friendships he an honour awarded to members of Legion in Portstewart prompted one at the Pontifical University in Rome. He was ordained in the made at that time with members of the University, Dominican the clergy and laity for services to young member to remark, ‘We are so Basilica of St John Lateran on March 13th 1965. College and the parish of Portstewart remain strong; he the Catholic Church. Only the fifth lucky to have Sheila. She has shaped particularly cherished his friendship with the late Father Neil person to be honoured in this way by the lives of so many young people Father Tony’s first appointments were, as curate in Ardglass McCamphill and greatly appreciates the welcome he has Pope Francis, Sheila was humble in over the past years, conducting every where he still has many friends, and as a member of the always received from Father Neil’s successors in Portstewart her acceptance, speaking of her utter meeting with joy and freshness.’ Hospital Chaplaincy. From 1966-1970 he taught Classics at parish. shock and disbelief that someone like The words of Saint Thérese of Lisieux, St McNissi’s College, Garron Tower, returning to Queen’s her should be the recipient of such who believed that it was not necessary University as Assistant Chaplain from 1970-1975. While in The announcement of Father Tony’s appointment as Auxiliary an esteemed award. However, for to accomplish heroic acts, or great the Chaplaincy at Queen’s he frequently celebrated Mass Bishop of Down and Connor at the age of 42 came as quite the congregation who were present deeds, in order to attain holiness, at Aquinas Hall, the Dominican Sisters’ student hall of a surprise. He was ordained on May 15th 1983. As the to celebrate Bishop Tony ‘s golden surely apply to Sheila. residence. youngest member of the Bishops’ Conference, he was given jubilee, it was no great surprise when ‘Love proves itself by deeds,’ wrote special responsibility for youth, in which role he accompanied Fr Austin revealed the best kept secret The Little Flower, ‘so how am I to In 1975 Father Tony came to this area as Chaplain and the young people of the Diocese to World Youth Days in of the evening: one of our parishioners show my love, since great deeds are Lecturer in Education at the then New University of Ulster, Czestochowa, Paris and Rome. His other major responsibility had been singled out for recognition, forbidden me? and as Chaplain to the Sisters and students at Dominican was in the area of ecumenism. He was appointed Catholic and that that person should be Sheila. The only way I can prove my love is by College, Portstewart. At NUU he formed a close working co-chair of the Dialogue between the Pontifical Council Fr Austin spoke of her many acts of scattering flowers and these flowers relationship and friendship with Dr John Greer, the Church for Promoting Christian Unity and the World Alliance of kindness in the parish, simple deeds, are every little sacrifice, every glance of Ireland Chaplain, also a Lecturer in Religious Education. Reformed Churches and subsequently became a member like a needy family finding some and word, and the doing of the least Together they developed the RE element of the education of the International Anglican-Roman Catholic Commission bottles of milk on their doorstep in actions for love.’ programme. He lived at and managed Cromore House, for Unity and Mission, both very important fora in the field the morning, or a student in distress which had been purchased by the Diocese for use as a of inter-church dialogue. As far as we are concerned within finding a willing ear to listen to their Patricia Farren student hall of residence before the University halls were the parish, one of his greatest strengths is his ability to built. In Portstewart, as in his other placements, Father Tony communicate with both children and adults at the same time found great personal and spiritual support from the local in his celebration of the Sacrament of Confirmation. Bishop Tony’s love of folk music is well known, particularly in the persons of Tom Paxton and Eric Bogle as well as the Irish Rosemary Woods. But his great enthusiasm is for sport, particularly football and golf in both universities, in Garron Tower and DCP, as well as being an avid follower of Cliftonville and Dundee United football clubs. He has been President of Queen’s Football Club for many years and still gets to many of their matches, as well as attending the Collingwood Cup (for Irish University football teams) and the Milk Cup here in the Triangle whenever he can. At the reception friends and former students recalled many incidents associated with these enthusiasms in what amounted to a ‘this is your life’ of a truly remarkable, humble and generous servant of God.

Sally Andrew

Page 3. Page 4. Luke Verhoeven & Alice Clark Weddings 2nd May 2015 Weddings in Portstewart overseas

Darren O’neill & Orianne Scullion 24th April 2015

Jon Wilson & Sara Dempsey Sara Dempsey And Jon Jon & Rachel Trolan Wilson Pictured Here At Brisbane, 21st June 2015, Their Wedding In The Our Lady Of Victories Catholic Church Church Of St Barbato In Casalattico, Italy 26Th May 2015.

What is a Soul Mate?

If you have found a smile that is the sweetest one you’ve known. If you have heard, within a voice, the echoes of your own.

Adam Mccullough & Neidin Connolly If you have felt a touch that stirs the longing of your heart, 20th March 2015 And still can feel the closeness in the moment you’re apart. Dennis Frizelle & Gillian McMullan Gillian Mc Mullan And Dennis Frizelle Were Married In Santa Maria Assuntia Church In Positano Italy On The 1St July 2014. If you are filled with wonder at the way two lives can blend, To weave a perfect pattern that is seamless end to end. If you believe some things in life are simple meant to be, Then you have found your sole-mate, your hearts own destiny.

Emily Matthews

Eugene & Susan Kelly 1975 - 2015 Conor Caldwell & Sarah Mooney 9th July 2015 Michael Burrows & Bronwyn Liddle 27th June 2015 Page 5. Anniversary Outside t he Sing Hosanna! When Patricia Farren asked me to Studio Opera and travelled with us. As she usually gets what she wants, Oops! write an article for Stella Maris my first At that time she was known as Liam I was ‘persuaded’ to attempt to start thoughts were, “Where do I start? Do I Hickey’s wife. “What goes around a youth choir. Brian Taylor, Mary his (for the aging) talk about myself or do I talk about the comes around.” I’m now known as wife, and I were duly screened under Chapel Gates Middle age is when your junior choir? Alderman Maura Hickey’s husband! child protection policy for the parish. So With Eugene Kelly broad mind and narrow now, what you hear at nine on Sunday waist change places. I always had a love for singing; While teaching in Belfast during mornings is the start of that process. unfortunately like most young boys I that terrible period known as “The We practice on Wednesday evenings in hated piano practice and would have Troubles” I developed instrumental the parish center from 7pm – 8pm and Summer done anything (and did) to avoid it. music in La Salle Boys School, a my hope is that this could be the start Football was much more important! secondary school in Andersonstown of something really big and beautiful When first given a test to sing at where I became musical director of for God. All I ask is, “Please God send Do you remember the summer? primary school, I ended up with the our school shows, resulting in many more young people along.” ”What Summer?” I hear you non-singers. When it came to the next Christmas extravaganzas. I had many ask. Regardless of the weather class the teacher asked who had been proud moments with the young people, The children love to sing and I am families still flocked to Portstewart in the previous choir and I put up my but particularly when they performed privileged to work with them. We really to enjoy all that the town has to hand. The beginning of a journey, the entire score of Bugsy Malone. do have fun together, so important offer. It was fortunate that the which, continues some sixty-eight years On that occasion we did not need whatever age we are. weather was clement for The Red I’m going to retire and later! the assistance of any professional Sails Festival at the end of July. live off my savings. musicians. I thank the parents for their dedication Yet again the Festival committee What I’ll do on the I left St. Malachy’s Primary school in We toured on the continent, playing in bringing the children to practice excelled itself by providing a very second sure.day I’m not Coleraine in 1955, and went to Garron in the market square in Bruges, on and again on Sunday mornings. When wide and varied programme for all Tower where my love for Gilbert and a passenger boat on the Rhine and Brian Taylor our excellent accompanist who attended. Well done. Sullivan, alongside other types of on a bandstand in Valkenberg in the is unavailable I frantically practice singing developed. In 1955 the late Netherlands. My enjoyment of my work piano making up for the times when I Fr McKavangh took the junior choir and play was cut short with the onset didn’t practice and just wish that I had to sing in Notre Dame Cathedral in of multiple sclerosis, but I had had a had the foresight to enjoy a little less Paris together with choirs from all over wonderful time and many wonderful football and take those piano studies Big Steps the world. We were known as “Pueri experiences. more seriously. 1916 – 2016 Cantores” (Young Singers). We sang September is a very and Lauren Young, head boy Star of the Sea Centenary Gregorian chant each Sunday at High A few months ago, Maura my wife said As they say, “What goes around comes exciting time for all our and head girl of Dominican Mass, finishing night prayers with that she was at nine o’clock Masson around.” young parishioners who College last year. Seen here the Salve Regina, which I later came Sunday and missed music. She are taking big steps as with Sally Andrew, Lauren July 2016 will mark to intone (when an organist wasn’t suggested that I start a children’s choir. Liam Hickey they venture out into the leaves to take up a place the centenary of the present). In 1960 Fr. McKavanagh took the senior members of the school choir big wide world. Those first at the University of Ulster, consecration and opening to see our first opera, ‘La Traviata’ in steps, be it to pre-school, Coleraine, where she will of our Parish Church. The the Opera House in Belfast. I fell in primary, secondary or, further study history. Joseph will be event will be marked by love with the art. Little did I think then and higher education are taking up his place at Queens a number of celebratory that I would sing as a principal tenor daunting for all, including University, Belfast, where he events, details of which accompanied by the Ulster Orchestra their parents. Two of our will study civil engineering will be announced in the on that very same stage. young people venturing on We wish them and all other New Year. But one event I went to St. Joseph’s College of that road are Joseph Lundy students every success. will take place, hopefully in Education in Belfast to study teaching November - the launch of and there decided to take singing a special commemorative lessons. I approached Frank Capper Saint Vincent de Paul The Captain and the Bishop book detailing the history who at that time was recognized as of our Church and of our the foremost singing teacher in Ireland. Appeal I also had to learn to read music, the parish, the priests who consequence of too much football and As winter approaches, on behalf served in Portstewart, and not enough piano practice. Under his of SVP I appeal to you to bring others closely involved in guidance I developed a love for Leider, to our attention people who you parish life, notable parochial Oratorio, Opera and other Art songs. think might be in need of help. events and the people It was then that I met Dr. Havelock Nelson, director of music with BBC Any references you make to us associated with them. The N. I. I sang roles with Queens Opera, will be treated in the strictest book is bound to be of great the Northern Ireland Opera Trust and confidence. I would also make an interest to all parishioners Studio Opera. I taught during the day appeal for new members. If you and, indeed, to all who hail and sang throughout the province and feel that you would like to help from Porstewart whether the Republic of Ireland in the evenings. please talk to me or any member living at home or outside the A programme might be exhausting, but the fun we shared and our love for the of the conference, or alternatively area. It will make an ideal art compensated for the sometimes As Myles na Coppaleen with Fr. Tom (Billy use the help line 07508549572. Christmas present. Watch lack of sleep. My wife Maura was wig McKenna) in Lilly of Killarney in the Arts theatre out for details of the launch. mistress for both NI Opera Trust and Belfast with the Ulster Orchestra (circa 1980) Page7. PORTSTEWART MEDICAL CENTRE

Big Day Out Dr Paul Carlin, Dr Philip O’Loan & Dr Barbara Boston A parish outing to Co Down in early September was 32 Mill Road, Portstewart organised jointly by the Apostolic Workers, the Saint Vincent Tel: 028 7083 2600 de Paul, and the Marian Club. Prescription requests (available 24 hours): 028 7083 5419 This year we visited Newcastle to take in the Mourne Mountain scenery which did not disappoint. Two stops for refreshments at the Dunsilly hotel, Co Antrim, for morning coffee and the Burrenndale hotel Newcastle for lunch. Then a visit to the newly renovated Clare House on the main street in Newcastle which belongs to the SVDP and is used to give the under privileged holiday relief but is also open to the public on a B&B or full board basis at competitive rates. The building was impressive and offers accommodation for single double and family occupancy.

A pleasant and enjoyable day was had by all and our grateful appreciation goes to those who organised or contributed to the event.

Terry Butcher

DEMPSEY’S Funeral Directors (Day & night service) Family Run Business 11 Coleraine St, Kilrea Co. Derry Tel: (028) 2954 0226

First Communion at Star of the Sea

Confirmation at Star of the Sea Page 9.