Word of Welcome by Fr Martin McAlinden on the occasion of the visit of President McAleese to Brownlow
Thursday 27 January 2011
President McAleese and Dr McAleese, on behalf of Craigavon Churches Together and all of us gathered here this morning, I welcome you to Brownlow.
I’m particularly pleased that you have come to St Anthony’s Parish Centre. This hall was the first building erected in the new parish of Moyraverty which this year celebrates its 40th anniversary. Christopher Murray, our first Parish Priest had the wisdom to build a community centre before erecting a church! His vision of church was one which had the development of community at its centre. Despite the ‘teething problems’ that a new town inevitably experiences, as well as the unemployment of the early days, some poor housing developments, the impact of the Troubles, the sudden immigration of new families, and the intensive and hostile media depiction of Craigavon as an urban wasteland, for some time now we have been creating and deserving more positive headlines of our own. And this to a great extent, is due to the developing sense of community which has been at the heart of Craigavon’s history over the past four decades, and has helped create a vibrant, confident town which we can confidently say has come of age.
This Centre is a symbol of the type of community life and community spirit that has grown throughout the short history of Craigavon. Here the diverse Brownlow community has gathered over the years. And we are particularly proud that 200 young people of different faith backgrounds and none are today involved in drama and dance here.
Our churches have not been found wanting; we work closely together, organising joint services and social events throughout the year. The strongly established resident associations, youth clubs, the partnership between different government, civic and support agencies and residents, the vibrant relationships linking our schools through the Craigavon Area Learning Community, and the good work of Brownlow Neighbourhood Renewal Partnership are all testament to the importance we attribute to the development of community in Brownlow. Solid educational, social and business structures are part of Craigavon’s fabric.
A Uachtaráin, I know that a central theme of your presidency has been building bridges. While Craigavon is better known for its roundabouts, it is also a town of bridges – both overground and underground. These numerous bridges have served to link our residents to schools, to Rushmere shopping centre, to the lakes, to our churches, to one another. They are symbolic reminders of the many community links that have developed between residents in this cosmopolitan new town, uniquely located in an urban, rural setting.
The people of Brownlow hail from the 32 counties of Ireland, as well as Great Britain. In its early days, the town welcomed immigrants from Vietnam. That tradition is part and parcel of Craigavon’s identity. Today our population includes nationals from most European countries, as well as China, Pakistan, India, the continent of Africa, and many other countries. A number of our Polish residents are here today. Some members of the travelling community have made Craigavon their home. Brownlow is a place of cultural and religious diversity. Many who came to live here in the early days would not dream of leaving; for 2nd and 3rd generation Craigavonites, this is the only place they know. For all of us, Craigavon is where we now belong, and are proud to remain.
Your visit to us celebrates the spirit of community that exists here, and commends all who have worked hard at building the community we call Brownlow, Craigavon. We are conscious of your busy schedule, and are so grateful that you took the time to travel here today. Your presence and interest in Brownlow will encourage all of us to work even more diligently in continuing to build a strong community in this modern new town where all are welcomed and cherished and cared for.
In this your final year as President, we wish you God’s blessing in your work and we thank you for the tremendous ambassador you have been on this island and for Ireland across the world. To paraphrase Oscar Romero, ‘thank you for planting seeds that will one day grow, and for watering seeds that are already planted, knowing that they hold future promise’.
To see some pictures of President Mary McAleese during her visit
CLICK HERE
