Groundbreaking Event June 22, 2024
On Saturday, June 22, 2024, we held our Groundbreaking Event at our headquarters, Tearmann Anama (The Soul Sanctuary) in Cavan, Ireland, formerly Holy Trinity Abbey, home to a Norbertine order of priests. It was a joyful day, celebrated with people in-person from all over Ireland, the UK, and the US, and online from all over the world. We had talks from Margaret McGahon, Jim Towey, Kathryn Clarke (Anne, ARK), and Seán Dockry.
This event marks the end of one time and the beginning of another. The demolition of one building and the inception of a new one. Acknowledging the past and looking toward the future, our Groundbreaking Event captured the joy we feel as an Apostolate as we look toward the work we will do from our new headquarters.
In her opening talk, Margaret McGahon spoke about the complex history of Catholicism in Ireland. Focusing on survivors of abuse, Margaret helped us all to reflect on the experience of Catholics who have stayed in the Church despite the anguish of clergy abuse. As we know, Ireland served as the beginning point of ongoing exposures of previous international misconduct that rocked the Church globally. Indeed, buried in the cemetery at the Apostolate’s headquarters is one of the most infamous child abusers of the Irish Church. His grave marker serves as a constant reminder of the Apostolate’s mission to help renew the Church.
“[It] will serve as a reminder of the impact of abuse and the historical mishandling of it. Moral and societal obligations to survivors were not met, a source of resounding anger and grief for all. Going forward, prevention becomes our focus” (Anne, ARK).
Jim Towey, representative from the Papal Foundation and founder of the organization Aging with Dignity, recognized the contribution made by Irish men and women, lay and clergy alike, who have contributed to the Church worldwide. Mr. Towey went on to read from a letter written by Cardinal Sean O’Malley in support of the Apostolate’s work of revitalizing the Church. Lastly, he closed by recalling Mother Teresa’s love of Ireland. Jim worked closely with Mother Teresa in the last 12 years of her life.
In her talk, Anne pointed out that when we identify Heaven’s goals, it is we who must grow, sacrifice, and stretch to play our part in reaching them. Anne also recognized elements needed for renewal in the Church, and the encouragement we need to play our part.
Lastly, Seán Dockry, site architect, discussed the plans for the new Faith Formation Center where people will attend both in-person and online, to equip themselves with the formation and tools necessary to draw people back into direct relationship with Jesus Christ.
