This year the Focolare Movement will hold its annual summer gathering (Mariapolis) for the first time in Northern Ireland. It will be based in the Marine Hotel and Corrymeela, Ballycastle, Co. Antrim.
Focolare – Italian for fireplace or hearth – takes its inspiration from Jesus’ prayer: “May they all be one” (Jn. 17.21.) Forty years ago the first group was established in Ireland bringing its gospel inspired message of unity in diversity. The theme this year is “Many Streams…One River”. This is an opportunity for people to meet up and get to know one another across boundaries of faith, age and country.
For many it will be their first visit to Ballycastle and the wonderful Causeway Coast and Glens.
The organising group extend a warm welcome to you to join them in Ballycastle and to make this a memorable experience of people from near and far coming together.
DAY/SESSION VISITORS MOST WELCOME
Focolare Belfast – 24 Piney Hills, Belfast, BT9 5NR – nirfoc@focolare.ie – 02890661028 Irene Jovaras: 07599422914 Conleth Burns: 07598447192 Mary McKinley: 02820751582
PROGRAMME
8.30pm onwards: Welcome to Ballycastle in Marine Hotel
Thursday 3rd July: “Many Streams…One River”
11.00am: Story of Focolare: Who we are – with Juanita Majury , Co-ordinator Focolare Ireland and Angela Graham (Wales) – Writer and Broadcaster.
Story of Corrymeela : Who we are with Dr. Duncan Morrow Director of Community Engagement, University of Ulster
Movements Together in Northern Ireland. L’Arche, Focolare, Charis, YWAM, Corrymeela
Bringing the City Together: 4corners Festival, Belfast with Rev Steve Stockman : Fitzroy Presbyterian Church, Belfast
2.30 pm: Outing to Giants Causeway
8.00pm:“1912 – A HUNDRED YEARS ON ” at the Marine Hotel
A joint reading by Philip Orr, historian and Jesuit priest Alan McGuckian co-writers of this one hour play. This highly acclaimed play about 1912 tells the care-fully researched story of a year in our history, a year whose political legacy is with us still, a hundred years on.
9.30pm: Let’s All Meet Mix And Sing!
11.00am: “Love one another as I have loved you” presented by Cathy Young and Peter McCann with personal stories and discussion.
Bishop of Limerick, Brendan Leahy and Very Rev John Mann Dean of St. Anne’s Cathedral, Belfast on the “Pact of mutual love”.
2.30pm: Workshops in Corrymeela, Music, Art, Education, Welcoming immigrants (Embrace NI), Business and Economy, Communications.
8.00pm: “Prayers for Christian Unity” Ballycastle Presbyterian Church, Castle Street
9.30pm. Let’s All Meet Mix And Sing!
Saturday 5th July: Social Streams
11.00am: Jesus Forsaken as a key to unity with David Hickey, Co-ordinator of Focolare Ireland.
Experiences from Ireland, Syria, Philippines and world of Education and Economy
2.30pm: Outings: Rathlin Island, Shean’s Heritage Centre, Hike
8.00pm: A time to join us to celebrate our time in Ballycastle @ Marine Hotel
