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Pentecost marked with ecumenical prayer service on shores of Lower Lough Erne
Attending the ecumenical prayer service on Day of Pentecost at Camagh Bay.
A large crowd of people attended an ecumenical prayer service for Pentecost at Camagh Bay, Lower Lough Erne on Pentecost Sunday, led by the Bishop of Clogher, Right Revd John McDowell and the Clogher Diocesan Administrator of the Roman Catholic Church, Monsignor Joseph McGuinness.
The service took place on the shores of Lower Lough Erne overlooking the historic Inishmacsaint Island which contains a 14-foot high stone cross and the ruins of a monastic church.
The service opened with Scripture and prayer led by Monsignor Joseph McGuinness and there were two hymns; “Come down, O love divine” and “Spirit of God, unseen as the wind.”
The soloist, Michelle Elliott sang “Be Still” and “Christ Alone.”
A reflection on Pentecost was given by two young people; Blaithin Bogue, Mount Lourdes Grammar School and Lewis Anderson, Erne Integrated College.
The responses were led by Chancellor David Skuce, the reading by Revd Sampson Ajuka and the prayers of intercession led by Fr Jimmy McPhillips.
The address was given by the Bishop of Clogher, Right Revd John McDowell, who referred to his youth, growing up in Belfast and attending the Church of the Pentecost, Mount Merrion Avenue, adjacent to the entrance to the Kingspan rugby ground at Ravenhill. He sang in the choir and led the verge in front of the choir.
Explaining the verge, he said; “Instead of a cross, it was lovely blue enamel globe, the oceans in blue, the continents in silver and over it all a dove of the Holy Spirit.”
On the Feast of Pentecost, he said they were reminded of the wind of the spirit that comes into people’ lives.
“It is important to remember that the Feast of the Pentecost is active not only in ourselves but also in the world around us.
“He gave us gifts and one of our vocations is to be peacemakers,” he told the congregation.
Speaking about how he grew up in working class Belfast and among pigeon fanciers, Bishop McDowell told the story of accompanying them to release their birds many miles from home. He marvelled at the pigeons first wheeling round overhead and then making their way home.
“Just like ourselves being released out into the world trying to find the track or tracks that will lead us home. The Spirit will lead us along those little paths of love and suffering, sacrifice and goodness that will mark us out in the eyes of our Father as we return to Him together,” he added.
Following the service, refreshments were served in Tir Navar, Derrygonnelly.