Fr Brian D’Arcy and the Duke of Kent enjoy a cup of tea during the visit RMG43
DURING his stay in Fermanagh the Duke of Kent saw at first hand the cross community work between the Graan and Rossorry Parish Church.
The Duke heard how Fr D’Arcy “crossed Christian divides” 20 years ago along with, Archdeacon Cecil Pringle – a relationship between the two parishes which continues today under the ministry of Dr Ian Elllis.
A number of guests from the Graan Monastery Community, Rossorry Church of Ireland, local schools, businesses and representatives from the Fermanagh and Omagh District Council were introduced to the Duke, before he visited a memorial erected in memory of American airmen who lost their lives following a plane crash in nearby Folly Field, on December 9 1943.
During a speech to the Duke, Father D’Arcy said, “In the words of your cousin, Her Majesty the Queen, on her historic visit to Dublin; Cead Mile Failte. – We appreciate your kindness when you included us on your very busy schedule here in beautiful Fermanagh.”
He further welcomed church representatives and community representatives saying, “They have held our community together in the most difficult years of violence which we have endured. Without these unsung heroes our communities would have perished.”
Father Brian D’Arcy, presented the Duke with a copy of his book, ‘A Different Journey’ and a copy of the Graan’s Centenary book, before inviting him to sign the visitors book.
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