The Ulster History Circle received a very warm welcome to St. Brigid’s Church in Brocagh, Parish of Clonoe, Co. Tyrone where the Church was filled to capacity, eagerly awaiting the arrival of the new Archbishop, His Grace, Eamon Martin, Archbishop of Armagh and Primate of All Ireland.
A Blue Plaque to commemorate Brocagh’s noblest daughter, Brigid Teresa McCrory, now Mother Angeline, was sponsored by Sean Henry and the Brocagh Heritage Group. The Ulster History Circle were delighted to have Brigid’s name brought to their attention.
Father Benny Fee welcomed everyone with a hearty ‘Cead Mile Failte’ before the opening hymn to St. Brigid,
‘Far above, enthroned in Glory
Sweetest Saint of Erin’s Isle’…..
On his first visit to Clonoe Parish since taking over the helm in Armagh, the Most Rev. Eamon Martin gave the Homily, followed by the children from P7 at the local St. Brigid’s Primary School who enthralled everyone with a drama on Mother Angeline. The Archbishop then blessed the new Shrine in her honour.
The Folk Choir sang a hymn to honour the Venerable Mother Angeline,
‘Mother Angeline, Mother Angeline,
Brocagh revers your Name,
We praise God for the joys of your fame,
From the land and the Church of your Baptism’…….
As the celebration ended with the Final Blessing, Father Fee asked the packed congregation to adjourn outside for the unveiling of the Blue Plaque where Chris Spurr, Chairman of the Ulster History Circle, said – ‘Mother Angeline is remembered by her words – ‘If you have to fail, let it be on the side of kindness. Be kinder than kindness itself to the old people’ – and she certainly was. Inspired by her deeping care for the elderly, she founded a new Community, and the Carmelite Sisters for the Aged and Infirm have benefited thousands of older people in America and in Ireland.’
Everyone then left the Brocagh Church and travelled to the nearby Castlebay Centre, for refreshments and further tributes.
A very memorable unveiling in Co. Tyrone.
Photographs from plaque unveiling event – left to right
- St.Brigid’s Church and the Blue Plaque in late evening.
- Mairead Ferguson, Ulster History Circle treasurer, welcomes guests to the unveiling.
- Chris Spurr, Chairman Ulster History Circle with Sean Henry, Brocagh Heritage Group.
- Most Rev. Eamon Martin D.D. Archbishop of Armagh unveils the Blue Plaque, watched by Father Benny Fee and colleagues.
- The children of St. Brigid’s Primary School, Brocagh, the Carmelite Sisters of the Aged and Infirm and visiting Sisters, Michelle O’Neill, Minister for Agriculture and Rural Development, the Archbishop of Armagh, Eamon Martin, Father Fee and local clergy, after the unveiling.
- The font inside St. Brigid’s Church in which Brigid Teresa McCrory (Mother Angeline) was baptised.
- Mother Angeline.