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Ecumenical Service for Pentecost takes place at Errigal Truagh
Errigal Truagh Church which is close to the old graveyard where the service takes place.
This year’s annual ecumenical service on Pentecost Sunday will take place on Sunday, 8 June at 3pm and will be led by both the Church of Ireland and Roman Catholic Bishops of Clogher at Errigal Truagh Old Graveyard in Co. Monaghan.
Errigal Truagh Old Graveyard near Glaslough and Emyvale, is one of the most ancient religious sites in the Province of Ulster and is believed to have been used for worship as far back as early Christian times. The medieval graveyard is renowned for its distinctly carved 18th Century headstones.
The Church of Ireland Bishop of Clogher, the Right Revd Dr. Ian Ellis and the Roman Catholic Bishop of Clogher, the Most Revd Larry Duffy, will participate in the service which begins at 3pm. During the service, a number of young people will give their reflections on Pentecost and the Donagh Community Choir will lead the praise.
Afterwards, refreshments will be provided in The Blackwater Valley Centre at Ballyoisin.
Since 2000, the Roman Catholic and Church or Ireland bishops of Clogher have come together, along with members of their respective Church communities to mark together the Day of Pentecost or Pentecost Sunday, as it also known. The Day of Pentecost marks the end of the fifty-day season of Easter. Moreover, it marks the descent of the Holy Spirit in the upper room and the beginning of apostolic preaching, thus marking a defining moment in the origin of the Christian Church.
Each year, a site of historic significance in relation to the origins of the Christian church in different parts of the diocese is chosen to host this Ecumenical Service.
Errigal Truagh Old Graveyard and ruined church lie in the townland of Mullinacross which means ‘Summit of the cross.
The ancient ecclesiastical site is one of great historical and archaeological significance’ and contains a remarkable collection of carved gravestones which are an outstanding example of 18th century folk art influenced by Scottish settlers. There are headstones to the family names of McKennas and Treanors as well as a number of priests. Two local families, the Anketells and the Singletons are buried in separate areas within the ruins of the Old Church.
Directions - The Errigal Truagh old church and graveyard can be located from the following;
Eircode: H18 A6K3. The old church and graveyard are located off the N2 road between Aughnacloy and Emyvale. There is a white sign for Killybrone and Clara and a brown sign for St Mary's RC Church, Clara, Errigal Truagh Church of Ireland, Truagh Heritage Centre and Derrygorry Forest. Errigal Truagh is about one and a half miles from that N2 turnoff. There will be stewards on the day to direct traffic and parking.