The Day of Reflection provides a voluntary opportunity for everyone in Northern Ireland, the Republic of Ireland and Great Britain to reflect upon the conflict in and about Northern Ireland and the future that is before us. This page offers a variety of ways to reflect, helpful resources and examples of how different organisations have marked the Day over the years.
All groups can be involved by raising awareness among their members and/or offering a place where reflection could take place, facilitating reflection, or developing materials which would aid and enable meaningful reflection. If you or your organisation is interested in or planning to engage with and participate in the Day of Reflection, please let us know by emailing admin@healingthroughremembering.org the details of your planned activity.
While the Day of Reflection is not intended to be prescriptive, here are some suggestions, made by groups and individuals, of ways of reflecting that you may like to consider.
A moment of silence
Reading an appropriate poem
Visiting a place of worship or other reflective space
Meditation
Recording your memories or hopes in a journal or book
Saying a prayer
Sharing your story or listening to someone else’s story
Resources to aid reflection
Organisations and groups are encouraged to develop their own materials to aid reflection and to facilitate their members’ engagement with and participation in the Day of Reflection. If you have developed any materials we would like to hear from you. Please contact HTR Offices on +44 (0)28 9023 8844 or email admin@healingthroughremembering.org.
Below are a range of resources which have been developed by a variety of groups and individuals which you may find useful in relation to the Day of Reflection.
- Fact Sheet on the conflict in and about Northern Ireland
- Some ideas for using the arts in the Day of Reflection
- Words for Reflection
- Spiritual Meditation for the Day of Reflection
- Christian Liturgy for the Day of Reflection
(You may need to download the Adobe Acrobat Reader in order to view these files.)
Past Day of Reflection Activities
Here is information of how others have marked the Day in previous years. From 2007 to 2014 we actively gathered this information, in the years since we have just listed events people have officially contacted us about. We are aware of groups marking the day, but we no longer chase up the details. This lack of information does not relate to a reduction in activities.
Scroll to see events from previous years using the arrows to the right.
Day of Reflection 2020
The Corrymeela Community continued to hold a service at their Ballycastle centre. In respect of social distancing, this was streamed over YouTube, where it has remained for those wishing to go back for further reflection.
WAVE Trauma Centre moved their commemoration online this year and encouraged their community to write out remembrance tags. A collective video was made of pictures and video clips.
Due to the extenuating circumstances of the Covid-19 pandemic, Healing Through Remembering moved its commemoration of the 14th annual Day of Reflection online. The public were invited to share their personal reflections on social media and HTR was continuously tweeting out petals with written out reflections throughout the day.
Day of Reflection 2019
WAVE Trauma Centre Belfast hosted a light buffet and community service from 1 to 4 pm, providing a space to “reflect on our own attitudes, on what more we might have done or might still do, and to make a personal commitment that such loss should never be allowed to happen again”.
Healing Through Remembering hosted an event at the HTR offices in Bryson House. The public were, as always with our Day of Reflection events, warmly welcomed. This was a safe space to reflect and share experiences, with a number of guest readings and viewings of past HTR projects.
The Corrymeela Community held a commemorative noontime service at their Ballycastle centre. Readings from Lost Lives, personal reflections, silence, prayer, and poetry featured.
The Coleraine Churches Forum marked the Day with a collective event reading from Lost Lives and sharing reflections and prayers.
Day of Reflection 2018
WAVE Trauma Centre held events across their locations in Northern Ireland. In Armagh and Omagh, a showing of the film ‘Hear My Voice’ was followed by a space for sharing and reflection. In Ballymoney their event focused on reflection and remembrance, while in Derry/Londonderry an installation of Silent Testimony in the Nerve Visual Gallery in Ebrington was shown. In Belfast, attendees saw performances by the St. Patrick’s Choir, a speech by Susan McKay, and a reading by poet Linda Malloy. A video of the event can be seen here.
Healing Through Remembering hosted an event at the HTR offices in Bryson House. As always with our Day of Reflection events, this was open to the public as a safe space to reflect and share experiences. A number of guest readings and video clips of past HTR projects were included.
The Coleraine Churches Forum marked the Day with a collective event reading from Lost Lives and sharing reflections and prayers.
Day of Reflection 2017
WAVE Trauma Centre held events across their locations in Armagh, Omagh, Ballymoney, Derry/Londonderry and Belfast with guest speakers and a minute’s silence in memory of those affected by the Troubles as well as other deadly conflicts around the world. This year, the 21st June also marked the official opening of the new location in Derry/Londonderry.
Healing Through Remembering marked the Day by hosting an event at the Linen Hall Library. Building on the events held in previous years, HTR convened a number of contributors from a range of backgrounds including academics, faith-based leaders, the community and voluntary sector, and the media. They, and members of the public, reflected on the past and the future before us by sharing memories, poetry and pose readings, and a viewing of films.
The Coleraine Churches Forum marked the Day with a collective event reading from Lost Lives and sharing reflections and prayers.
Day of Reflection 2016
The Corrymeela Community held a commemorative morning service in the Croi at the Ballycastle centre from 9:30-10:30 am.
Healing Through Remembering marked the Day by hosting an event at Linen Hall Library. The room was be open to the public as a safe space to reflect and featured a number of guest readings and film clips from past HTR projects.
The Coleraine Churches Forum marked the Day with a collective event reading from Lost Lives and sharing reflections and prayers.
Day of Reflection 2015
WAVE Trauma Centre held an event in their Garden of Hope at the Belfast centre. Featured was a lecture by Reverend Dr Johnston McMaster as well as performances of personal pieces developed in reflection by WAVE members. To mark the 2015 Day of Reflection, WAVE also planted a memorial rose garden.
The Corrymeela Community hosted a reflective space in their Croi at the Ballycastle centre from noon to 3 pm. As well as an open Bible, a copy of Lost Lives was present, along with candles for anyone who wanted to light one.
Healing Through Remembering provided a public space in Linen Hall Library for reflection. The event included guest readings and a viewing of clips from a range of films. Participants were invited to share their thoughts on the available HTR Thought Wall and to create their own gorse pins.
The Coleraine Churches Forum marked the Day with a collective event reading from Lost Lives and sharing reflections and prayers.
Day of Reflection 2014
The Coleraine Churches Forum held their annual Day of Reflection service at St Patrick’s Church in Coleraine (Church Street, Coleraine). The service consisted of reading the names of individuals from Lost Lives. The service went from 10:30am – 3pm on Saturday, 21 June. All were invited to drop-in and stay as long as they wished.
The RUC George Cross Memorial Garden was open between 10am and 4pm on Saturday, 21 June for anyone who wished to use the space for reflection.
Healing Through Remembering held its fourth public event since launching the initiative eight years ago. Space for reflection was made available by HTR at the Linen Hall Library throughout the day for those who wanted to drop in to mark the Day. A selections of readings were given, along with a screening of clips from Healing Through Remembering’s short films.
The Irish School of Ecumenics in Belfast marked the Day of Reflection. Members of the public were invited to join staff for tea and coffee at 10.30 am, after which their gardens and seminar room were be open for people to use as a reflective space.
Oakgrove Integrated College in Derry/Londonderry marked the Day of Reflection on Friday, 20 June with special assemblies for all year groups.
Corrymeela Ballycastle hosted a walk from the Diamond in Ballycastle to the Centre on Drumaroan Road on Saturday, 21 June. The walk left the Diamond at 10.30am and arrived at the Centre at 11.15am for tea/coffee. Those who did not wish to walk could meet at the Centre for a Reflection service from 11.30-12.30 in the Croi which included use of the BBC Legacy series, a period of silent reflection, and discussion.
WAVE Trauma Centre in Derry/Londonderry marked the Day of Reflection on Friday 20 June 2014 at 11 am at its centre at 23A Bishop Street. The Day of Reflection gave both our members and the public the opportunity to remember and reflect on all those killed or injured during the ‘Troubles’. It was filled with meaning and symbolism for WAVE members. Individuals from all different backgrounds, many of whom have been impacted by the ‘Troubles’ were in attendance as well as others who were there to demonstrate solidarity.
North Down Borough Council hosted a panel display of the Everyday Objects Transformed by the Conflict exhibition at Coffee Cure in the North Down Museum at Bangor Town Hall on Saturday, 21 June. A reflection book whereby people could visit and write their thoughts was also available. The space was open from 9am-5pm and was open to the public. All were welcome.
WAVE Trauma Centre Omagh marked the Day of Reflection on Friday 20th June 2014 with lunch at 1.00 pm followed by the special service at 3pm involving prayers, hymns, reflective poems and a minute silence to remember those who lost their lives during the Troubles.
Belfast City Council marked the Day of Reflection with its ‘Living Library’ event at Belfast City Hall on Friday, 20th June from 10.30am – 2.30pm. The Living Library was a safe and fun way to bring people from diverse backgrounds together. It worked like a regular library except the ‘books’ were people and ‘reading’ was a conversation.
Newtownabbey Borough Council marked the Day of Reflection with a panel exhibition of Everyday Objects Transformed by the Conflict at the Museum at the Mill in Mossley Mill from 16th – 20th June 2014. The opening hours were Mon-Wed 10am-5pm, Thu 10am-9pm, and Fri 10am-4pm.
Lisburn City Council hosted an evening of music and film with Joby Fox as a means of marking the Day of Reflection on Thursday 19th June 7.30pm – 9pm at the Island Arts Centre – Studio Theatre. Music by Joby Fox from his album The End of the War and a screening of the film Lost Commandos. The music and film were a comment and tribute to life, love, war and peace and all the strange scenarios humanity dishes up. An opportunity through music and film to discuss important issues in relation to the past and how a better understanding of these can contribute to building a shared future.
The Columba Community marked the Day of Reflection on Saturday, 21st June at St Anthony’s Retreat Centre in Dundrean, Co. Donegal from 11.00am-2.00pm to pray for the healing of relationships throughout these islands. The Garden Area was open and participants could spend quiet time in the Oratory where there was Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament. All were welcome.
Day of Reflection 2013
The RUC George Cross Memorial Garden was open between 10am and 4pm.
St Ethelburga’s Centre for Reconciliation and Peace in London had both the sanctuary and The Tent open for reflection on the Day.
On 18 June, St Ethelburga’s also hosted ‘From the Rubble’ – an original Theatre of Witness production made up of individual stories performed by the people themselves – ex-combatants, former prisoners, a retired British soldier, the widow of a man killed by a paramilitary group, and a man caught in a car bomb as a child.
Make Peace Public (Sligo) had a small stand set up on O’Connell Street in Sligo, inviting people to write their reflections and peace wishes for the Day of Reflection.
East Belfast Mission had its chapel space open in the Skainos building on the Day with a book of remembrance available for people to write in and share their reflections.
The Columba Community held an hours service at St Anthony’s and the three main Centres of Reflection (Oratories) were open as usual on the 21st of June: Columba House, 11 Queen Street, Derry from 9.00 am until 5.00 pm, The Oratory and Garden at The Iosas Centre, Lenamore Road Donegal, from 10.00 until 5.00, and The Oratory and Prayer Garden at St Anthonys Retreat Centre, Upper Galliagh Rd, Donegal from 10.00 until 5.00.
The Day of Reflection commenced at 10:00am on Friday, 21 June for the The Coleraine Churches Forum in St Patrick’s Church, Coleraine with a reading of the names of those who lost their lives in the Northern Ireland context. The church was open until 3:00pm so that relatives, friends and members of the public could spend whatever time they wished to reflect. All were welcome.
Restoration Ministries held a prayer service for the Day of Reflection on Wednesday, 19 June 2013.
The Irish School of Ecumenics in Belfast marked the Day of Reflection. Members of the public were invited to join staff for tea and coffee at 10.30 am, after which their gardens and seminar room were open for people to use as a reflective space.
A “Room for Remembering” was open in the Irish School of Ecumenics on the main campus of Trinity College Dublin where students, staff and others were invited to use as reflective space for the Day.
The Corrymeela Community in Ballycastle invited everyone to participate in a public walk to mark the Day of Reflection. The walk began at 2pm on Friday, 21 June departing from the Daimond in Ballycastle town centre and ended at the Corrymeela Community Centre (2.3 miles away). There was tea/coffee and a time of reflection in the Croi at the the centre afterwards. All were welcome.
Towards Understanding and Healing hosted Omagh-based artist Valerie Whitworth, who brought her ‘Labyrinth experience’ to the Tyrconnel Suite of the Tower Hotel. Labyrinths have been used for many years to prompt meditation and reflection. Valerie’s great, wide, portable canvas labyrinth was spread across the floor of the Tyrconnel Suite and all those who came along were welcomed and invited to quietly reflect in their own way about the impact of the conflict on their lives and shared ways towards imaginatively moving forward. Valerie supported and guided this process. The first labyrinth session began at 11am; the second at 2pm. However, participants were invited to pop in, if they so wished, at their own time and enjoy this enriching, meditative experience.
WAVE Trauma Centre Omagh held an hour’s service to reflect, followed by a hot buffet meal. The service began at 3pm and involves prayers, hymns, reflective poems and a minute silence to remember those who lost their lives during the Troubles.
WAVE Trauma Centre Belfast hosted a communal lunch at 1pm on the Day of Reflection followed by a talk from Reverend Lesley Carroll of Fortwilliam & MacCrory Presbyterian Church. The talk began at 2pm. WAVE also launched the book “The Disappeared of Northern Ireland’s Troubles” which documents family experiences of the Disappeared as part of the Day of Reflection 2013 on Friday, 21 June accompanied by a fresh appeal for information.
Oakgrove Integrated College, Derry-Londonderry, once again marked the Day of Reflection on June 21. On this day, Derry-Londonderry marked another important event of joyous celebration as UK City of Culture, hosting the Sky Orchestra and other Music Promise events. Alongside it, the Oakgrove College community contributed to the cultural strand of purposeful inquiry by remembering the “Lost Lives” because of conflict in and about Northern Ireland. This was done by students and staff gathering, bringing lessons to a standstill to remember and reflect. They gathered around the lamp which burns when the school is in session to remember all whose lives were lost and damaged. Through music, readings, drama, stories, silence and reflection, they remembered and pledged to build relationships which will prevent others suffering in the future. Resources used will include Legacy, Lost Lives and the CAIN archive.
A variety of different groups of former security service personnel and their families were marking the Day of Reflection this year. Their activities included discussion and reflection groups, prayer meetings, coffee mornings, and visits to memorials on the Day.
Healing Through Remembering held space open for reflection at the Linen Hall Library on the Day of Reflection from 10am to 4pm on Friday, 21 June for anyone who wished to pop in during the day. There were also a number of street dramas being performed in the city centre and beyond throughout the day in conjunction with Kabosh Theatre Company to invite reflection.
WAVE Trauma Centre Derry/Londonderry marked the Day of Reflection on Friday 21 June 2013 at 11 am at its centre (23A Bishop Street). It was filled with meaning and symbolism for WAVE members. Individuals from all different backgrounds, many of whom have been impacted by the ‘Troubles’ were in attendance as well as others who were there to demonstrate solidarity. All were welcome.
South Armagh Rural Women’s Network marked the Day of Reflection with an exhibition of images from Everyday Objects Transformed by the Conflict and personal photographs in the Cross Square Hotel in Crossmaglen from 10am-4pm. All were welcome.
Day of Reflection 2012
The Irish School of Ecumenics in Belfast marked the Day of Reflection. Members of the public were invited to join staff for tea and coffee at 10.30 am, after which their gardens were open for people to use as a reflective space.
Queen’s University Belfast had a room in the Student Union building open and held a Day of Reflection event all day on 21 June.
WAVE Belfast marked this year’s Day of Reflection (DOR) on the 21st June @ 7pm at the WAVE House in Belfast (5 Chichester Park South). The occasion was marked with the delivery of the DOR Lecture, given this year by the Chief Human Rights Commissioner, Professor Michael O’Flaherty. The day itself was filled with meaning and symbolism for WAVE members. Attendances have consistently been around 80 individuals from often diverse backgrounds, many of whom have been impacted by the ‘Troubles’, and others who are just there to demonstrate solidarity. Whilst community and political affiliations often differ, all of those that attend the day are united in the grief that they feel, and take much comfort that such a day has been set apart to remember those that died and others that were injured. A light supper was served at the event.
WAVE Trauma Centre in Omagh offered a cross community service for the Day of Reflection and a light buffet to mark the launch of WAVE Trauma Centre’s Garden of Reflection and Growth and Stained Glass Project ’Towards the Light.’ The area to the rear of the members’ room was utilised as a tranquil, sunny and private garden area with seating, plants and water feature for members to use.
Victims and Survivors Trust (VAST) organised an event to mark the annual Day of Reflection. This informal, open to all event was held in St Oliver Plunkett Parish Church (27 Glenveagh Drive, Belfast) on Thursday 21st June at 6.30pm.
The RUC George Cross Memorial Garden was be open between 10am and 4pm.
Oakgrove Integrated College in Co. Derry/Londonderry brought lessons to a standstill to remember those who lost their lives because there was conflict in Northern Ireland. PowerPoint displays ran throughout the day to show the stories of some of those whose stories are recorded in the Lost Lives
The IOSAS Centre in Donegal made their Oratory in the IOSAS Prayer Garden available for private reflection and remembrance from 9am-4:30pm, with a book of remembrance available for thoughts/comments etc. The aim of the Community is to serve the local community in prayer, reconciliation healing and building community. For more information please email goldenagecentre@hotmail.com.
The Columba Community’s three main Centres of Reflection (Oratories) were open as usual on the 21st of June: Columba House, 11 Queen Street, Derry from 9.00 am until 5.00 pm, The Oratory and Garden at The Iosas Centre, Lenamore Road Donegal, from 10.00 until 5.00, and The Oratory and Prayer Garden at St Anthonys, Upper Galliagh Rd, Donegal from 10.00 until 5.00.
Day of Reflection 2011
Oakgrove Integrated College in Co. Derry/Londonderry brought lessons to a standstill to remember those who lost their lives because there was conflict in Northern Ireland. PowerPoint displays ran throughout the day to show the stories of some of those whose stories are recorded in the Lost Lives. In a series of special assemblies, students heard about the background to Healing Through Remembering, and some of the stories of those who would be alive had there not been conflict.
The RUC George Cross Memorial Garden will be open between 10am and 4pm.
WAVE Trauma Centre in Omagh (18 Holmview Avenue) marked the day between 3 and 4pm with readings, hymns and prayers, as well as music by Derek Weir. Fr. Kevin Mullan and Rev. Lorraine Capper attended this event and there was supper afterwards. All were welcome.
The IOSAS Centre in Donegal opened their Peace Garden and Centre on 21st June and invited people to quiet reflection with music, song and poetry. The Sanctuary is the newest development by The Columba Community which was established in 1981 under the direction of Fr Neal Carlin. The aim of the Community is to serve the local community in prayer, reconciliation healing and building community. For more information please email Tracey McRory at goldenagecentre@hotmail.com.
The Linen Memorial (also called The Irish or The Ulster Linen Memorial) was available for viewing during the programming of the celebrations of the 150th Portneuf and during the Biennale of Flax and Linen in Quebec, Canada where there was considerable Irish-Canadian settlement for hundreds of years.
The Ladies Friendship Group in Enniskillen visited the Garden of Remembrance in Dublin on Thursday 23rd.
Carrickfergus Church Forum combined the Day of Reflection with their AGM. Guest speaker was Laura Coulter who has facilitated the Peace III ‘CAN course on Understanding Sectarianism’ with the Forum. A PowerPoint presentation of reflective music with pictures of the Troubles was shown alongside the open book of ‘Lost Lives.’ Time was taken for prayer and healing remembrance. The meeting was open to all.
The Irish School of Ecumenics in Belfast, marked the Day of Private Reflection on 21 June 2011 from 10 am-4 pm. A quiet space in the building was open for the public, and materials to aid reflection were available. On a sunny day, visitors can enjoy the garden. For more information please visit the ISE website: http://www.ecumenics.ie/events/ise-belfast-to-mark-healing-through-remembering-day-of-private-reflection-21-june-2011/. People living in or near North Belfast were especially encouraged to visit.
A “Room for Remembering” was open in ISE Trinity College Dublin, and also there was also a DVD showing for students of the film “Of Gods and Men” about the peaceful coexistence in the midst of the civil war in Algeria of a monastery of Cistercian Benedictine monks in a Muslim Village there and of the impact for peace and reconciliation of their lives and deaths.
The Coleraine Churches Forum organised an afternoon for quiet reflection, prayer, and readings from Lost Lives at St. Patricks Parish Church in Coleraine. The Church was open from 10am on the 21st of June. All were welcome.
WAVE Trauma Centre in Belfast organised two events for the Day. Firstly, Families of the Disappeared gathered at the home of the American Consulate to release seven doves, one for each of the bodies that were yet to be found. The other event was the very first Day of Reflection lecture, given this year by Denis Bradley in the brand new Garden of Hope at the WAVE office (5 Chichester Park South, Belfast).
WAVE Trauma Centre, Armagh, invited all victims and survivors of the conflict and members of the public to attend a short ceremony to mark the annual Day of Private Reflection on June 21st at 12noon at the Palace Demesne, Armagh City & District Council. The ceremony took place at WAVE’s ‘Tree of Hope’ in the council gardens with light refreshments served afterwards in the council offices hosted by the Mayor of Armagh, Councillor Freda Donnelly (DUP).
As part of the Day, the Derry City Council Community Relations Officers held a dialogue event from 11:30 – 1:30 in Level 5 Strand Road Offices. This event, which included lunch, involved a panel of speakers with different perspectives telling their story of how the conflict impacted on them and how it continues to impact today. The discussion was then opened up to allow attendees to either ask questions of the panellists or to reflect on the effect of the conflict on them. This was an informal event exploring the conflict from a range of different perspectives. The event was open to staff, councillors and members of the public.
The Columba Community’s three main Centres of Reflection (Oratories) were open as usual on the 21st of June: Columba House, 11 Queen Street, Derry from 9.00 am until 5.00 pm, The Oratory and Garden at The Iosas Centre, Lenamore Road Donegal, from 10.00 until 5.00, and The Oratory and Prayer Garden at St Anthonys, Upper Galliagh Rd, Donegal from 10.00 until 5.00. A selection of Day of Reflection materials was be available on the Day.
Day of Reflection 2010
The Coleraine Churches Forum organised an afternoon for quiet reflection, prayer, and readings from Lost Lives at St. Patricks Parish Church in Coleraine. The Church was open from 11am to 4pm on the 21st of June.
The RUC George Cross Memorial Garden was open between 10am and 4pm. Guides were available to meet visitors at the gate.
The Community Relations Forum, Newtownabbey, held an open reflection session from 2pm to 7pm at the Barron Hall, 230 Antrim Road, Glengormley. Tea and coffee was available and all were welcome to attend.
Oakgrove Integrated College in Derry/Londonderry once again marked the Day of Reflection with a special assembly and showing of selected images of Lost Lives. All students present in school were encouraged to reflect and to remember the people whose lives were lost who would have been alive had there not been conflict in Northern Ireland.
The Old Library Trust, Derry/Londonderry, launched a stained glass window on the 21st June in memory of local people killed in Creggan during the conflict.
Fírinne’s premises (67 Chanterhill Road, Drumclay, Enniskillen) were open from 10am to 9pm for space to call in and reflect at Fírinne’s Living Memorial. A Commemorative Candle-Tree was lit and the Lost Lives Book was present. A 6pm there was a Day of Reflection PowerPoint presentation given by Bernice Swift explaining the purpose/significance of 21st June. Day of Reflection Literature was given to all in attendance (postcards/bookmarks etc).
WAVE Trauma Centre in Omagh held an ecumenical service at 2pm, at their offices at 18 Holmview Avenue, Omagh. Fr. Kevin Mullan and Rev. William Seale attended this event.
Derry City Council marked the Day by visiting the Crumlin Road Gaol in Belfast to allow individuals to reflect in a creative way on our past. There were 30 places on the trip, predominantly for Community and Voluntary Sector Groups.
The Wesley Centenary Methodist Church, Hamilton Road, Bangor, was open for quiet reflection from 10am to 1pm on Monday 21 June.
Lisburn City Council as a part of its Good Relations Programme showed We Carried Your Secrets on the 21st June at 7.00pm in Lisburn Civic Centre. The Columba Community organised several events as follows:
The newly refurbished oratory in Columba House at 11, Queen Street, Derry/Londonderry was open as usual from 9.30am to 5.00 pm for those who wished to spend time in quiet meditation.
The two acre Garden and Oratory at St Anthony’s Retreat Centre, Dundrean, Upper Galliagh Road, Co.Donegal was open and available from 9.00pm to 7.30pm for all who wished to spend time in private reflection.
The six acre Prayer Garden at IOSAS Centre (adjacent to White Oaks Drug and Alcohol Centre on the Lenamore Road, Derryvane) was open and available from 9.00pm to 5.00 pm for all who wished to spend time in private reflection. This garden has many features to celebrate the lives of the Celtic saints of the 5th to the 12th Century, Ireland’s Golden Age. Several additional features have been added to provide further stimulus to private reflection.
Congregations in Ballynafeigh were invited to share a walk and a time of meditation together. The event began in Good Shepherd Church at 7:30pm, moved to St. Jude’s and finished in Ballynafeigh Methodist Church.
Wave Trauma Centre, Armagh, iheld a tree planting ceremony on the 21st of June from 12 noon, at the Centenary Gardens, Palace Domain, Armagh. The Mayor hosted a function afterwards. All were welcome.
ISE Belfast marked the Day of Reflection by making the Seminar Room available from 10.00 am – 4.00 pm for private reflection. CDs and books were available for those who wished to use them.
Wave Trauma Centre, Belfast, launched a back patio/deck area which members had built. There was a small service and a light lunch served between 1pm and 2pm on the 21st.
St Ethelburga’s Centre for Reconciliation and Peace, 78 Bishopsgate, London, kept the door open for people to come and sit and have space to reflect. There were also HTR reports out to peruse. Go to: http://stethelburgas.org/civicrm/event/info?reset=1&id=193 for more information.
The Community Relations Council in Dungannon had a space for people to come and reflect between 1pm and 4pm on the 21st of June.
Healing Through Remembering had a space in their office for people to come and reflect. There was also opportunity to read from various books and materials, or watch the film about the Day of Reflection. Tea and coffee was available.
ISE Dublin set aside a quiet space in with meditative materials, information about HTR, and music.
Day of Reflection 2009
The Wesley Centenary Methodist Church, Hamilton Road, Bangor, was open for quiet reflection on Sunday 21 June from 10am to 5pm.
Fírinne acknowledged the Day of Reflection on 21st June 2009. Premises were open in the afternoon from 1-3pm. Fírinnelit their Ceremonial Candle-Tree, and the Lost Lives Book was available for further reflection also on the day.
The Wave Trauma Centre in Belfast (5 Chichester Park South) marked the Day of Reflection on Wednesday the 24th of June with the launch of their latest piece of artwork: a wishing well in the garden of the centre. This was followed by tea and sandwiches.
The Wave Trauma Centre in Omagh (18 Holmview Avenue) marked the Day on Friday the 19th of June with a service of reflection and music which included staff, volunteers and local clergy. It began with a light lunch at 1:00pm.
The Wave Trauma Centre in Ballymoney (13 Castlecroft, Main Street) was open from 9:00am to 5:00pm on Monday the 22nd of June with a room set aside for quiet reflection.
The Irish School of Ecumenics held a Day of Reflection walk to Cave Hill.
Hillsborough Presbyterian Church (30 Ballymurphy Road, Hillsborough) provided a space for reflection from 2:00pm to 4:00pm.
The Community Relations Forum, Newtownabbey held an open reflection session from 11am to 3pm at the Barron Hall, 230 Antrim Road, Glengormley.
The RUC George Cross Foundation opened the Garden for the Day of Reflection on request from 11:00am to 4:00pm.
The Irish School of Ecumenics – (Dublin) set up a “Space of Quiet Reflection” in ISE Bea House, Milltown Park, Dublin from 12noon on Monday 22nd and throughout the afternoon and a DVD was shown.
Carrickfergus Borough Church Forum held a 15 minute audio-visual presentation entitled COME, SEE, REFLECT. The event did not involve talks or group activities. This was shown from 2-30pm until 4-30pm at the Gateway Church, Governor’s Place and from 7pm until 8-30pm at St Nicholas’ Catholic Church, Minorca Place in Carrickfergus.
Oakgrove Integrated College in Londonderry/Derry – held an assembly to mark the Day of Reflection on Friday the 19th of June. The assembly included a minute’s silence and an audiovisual presentation commemorating those who lost their lives in the conflict.
Ethelburga’s Centre for Peace and Reconciliation – 78 Bishopsgate, London kept the Centre open to the public on Friday 19 June to mark the Day of Reflection.
St Patricks Parish Church in Coleraine – was open in the afternoon for quiet reflection and prayer.
Re-think – Ann St, Belfast.
The Bahai Community, Magherafelt area, celebrated the Day of Reflection by having a Devotional Day on 21 June from 2pm onwards. This involved an Open House with devotional time and reflection during the afternoon.
The Columba Community: The 2 acre Garden and Oratory at St Anthonys Retreat Centre, Co.Donegal was open and available from 2.00pm to 5.00pm for all who wished to spend time in private reflection.
The 6 acre Prayer Garden at IOSAS Centre was open and available from 2.00pm to 5.00 pm for all who wished to spend time in private reflection. This garden has many features to celebrate the lives of the Celtic saints of the 5th to the 12th Century, Ireland’s Golden Age.
The Hanson family, Bangor and Australian Artist, Krissee Oliver hosted The Linen Memorial, in digital format at The Canada Room, Queens University, Belfast from 1 – 7 pm. Parents of the artist Krissee Oliver, Robert and Maureen Trouton, hosted a gathering at the Canadian Memorial Centre for Peace in Vancouver Canada.
The Fermanagh Churches Forum, in Curtain Room at The Clinton Centre, Enniskillen, held an event from 2p.m. to 5p.m.
Philip Orr included a “Day of Reflection” segment in the Fitzroy Presbyterian Church service.
Day of Reflection 2008
Corrymeela Community, Ballycastle – The Croí was open from 9:00am to 9:00pm and had on display the installation of the Linen Memorial to Lives Lost, a reading of the names of those who died listed in Lost Lives and memorialized on linen banners (linenmemorial.org), for viewing and reflection. Contact: Corrymeela Community, 028 2076 2626.
Irish School of Ecumenics, Belfast – ISE observed the day by participating in activities at Corrymeela Community, Ballycastle.
Irish School of Ecumenics, Dublin – A “Space for Reflection” was open on Thursday 19 June from lunchtime till 7pm.
Cornerstone Community, 445 Springfield Road, Belfast – Reading, writing and quiet rooms were available for reflection from 10:30am to 12:00pm. Contact: Sam Bright, 028 9032 1649
The Columba Community in Derry and Donegal – made two of their four premises available to facilitate the public for the Day. The premises available were The Oratory in Columba House, 11, Queen Street will be open from 9.30 pm to 5.00 pm on the Friday before (20 June) the Day of Reflection. The Oratory at St Anthony’s Retreat Centre on the Upper Galliagh Road were open 9.30 to 6.30 and The Celtic Prayer Garden at IOSAS Centre, Lenamore Road, Derryvane, Muff were open 9.30 am to 5.00 pm on Saturday, 21 June
Hillsborough Presbyterian Church, 30 Ballymurphy Road, Hillsborough – Space for reflection was provided from 9:00am to 12:00pm.
Carrickfergus Civic Centre’s Education Room – The Antrim Churches’ Forum made available a space for reflection at the Carrickfergus Civic Centre’s Education Room from 10:00am to 4:00pm.
Florence Courthouse, Enniskillen – Ladies’ Friendship Group had space available for reflection at the Florence Courthouse in Enniskillen from 3:45pm. Contact: Betty McKendry, 028 6632 3385
Ethelburga’s Centre for Peace and Reconciliation – Opened from 11am to 3pm for people to come and reflect in private and stillness. The centre also held a Centering Meditation from 1:15 – 1:45 pm on Friday June 20th that was dedicated to the Day. HTR literature was put out for people to find out more information.
Barnardo’s/NOVA – made a room available for their staff for quiet reflection.
St Patrick’s Parish Church in Coleraine – was open from 11am to 4pm for quiet reflection and prayer. All were welcome.
Wesley Centenary Methodist Church, Hamilton Road, Bangor – was open for quiet reflection and personal prayer from 9am to 5pm. Everyone was welcome.
Wave Trauma Centre, Dobbin St, Armagh – invited people to drop in and record their thoughts and hopes for the future in a book of reflection. Open all day.
Restoration Ministries – held an interdenominational service on Monday June 16th, at Restoration House, 4 Thornhill Hill Road, Dunmurry at 8:00pm.
Oakgrove Integrated College – held an assembly to mark the Day of Reflection to remember those lost in the conflict.
RUC George Cross Foundation – opened the Garden for the Day of Reflection from 11:00am to 4:00pm.
Wave Trauma Centre, Belfast – marked the Day of Reflection on Thursday 19th at 3pm by unveiling a hand carved wood sculpture that represents a symbol of remembrance to those lost in the conflict.
The Community Relations Forum, Newtownabbey – – held an open reflection session from 1 – 4:30pm at the Barron Hall, 230 Antrim Road, Glengormley.
Day of Reflection 2007
Larne Museum – A space was made available in the museum for reflection and a book to record individual’s contributions, such as memories and hopes for the future, was provided.
Corrymeela – The Linen Memorial installation was open to the public to view in the Croí Building, Corrymeela, Ballycastle.
Anthony’s Retreat Centre, Donegal – Quiet garden overlooking the border and a space for reflection was available.
Fermanagh Churches Forum – A quiet space for private reflection was available in the Clinton Peace Centre, Enniskillen.
Columba Community – The Columba Community Oratory was available in Queen Street in Derry/Londonderry city centre for quiet reflection from 9:30am to 7:30pm.
IOSAS Centre – The Garden and Oratory at IOSAS Centre was available for quiet reflection at Lenamore Road, Derryvane, Muff, Co Donegal from 9:00am to 5:00pm.
Cornerstone Community – The Cornerstone Community House in West Belfast was open for quiet reflection between 10am and 12 noon and again between 7pm and 9pm.
Hamilton Road Methodist Church, Bangor – The Hamilton Road Methodist Church in Bangor was open for quiet reflection from 9:30am to 5:00pm.
Iontas Centre, Castleblayney – Iontas Centre, Castleblayney had cards available for people to record their thoughts, comments and memories on. The cards were then added to a collective art piece to form a gorse/whin bush. Groups, organisations and individuals are were welcome to contribute. Contact Teresa McCabe at Iontas for more details.
Lisburn City Council – Lisburn City Council had a room available for quiet reflection in the Lagan Valley Island Conference Centre between 10:00am and 4:00pm.
Omagh Community Arts – Omagh Community Arts organised a labyrinth walk at the Tara Centre, Omagh from 7pm to 9pm. All were welcome to participate.
Oakgrove Integrated College, Derry/Londonderry – Oakgrove Integrated College dedicated their Peace Garden to mark the Day of Reflection.
Botolph’s-without-Bishopsgate – St. Botolph’s-without-Bishopsgate, beside Liverpool St Station (London), was open for silent reflection and prayer between 8am and 6pm.
Corpus Christi Youth Centre – Corpus Christi Youth Centre held an event that celebrated the Summer Solstice and held a “minutes silence”. They also had a session of reflection that enabled the young people to acknowledge the hurt and pain suffered by everyone and to openly discuss the future. The young people made a poster of statements of their suggestions about preventing it from ever happening again.
City Church, Belfast – City Church, Belfast invited you to join them for the Day of Reflection from 6 to 9 pm. They used puppets as a tool to help reflection. There was space for everyone to contribute and share in the reflection.
WAVE – A remembrance event for the families of the Disappeared and those whose bodies have been recovered was held on Thursday, 21 June 2007.
WAVE Centre, Belfast – WAVE, Belfast had a tree planting event for all those who died in the ‘Troubles’ at WAVE House, Belfast at 2pm on Thursday 21 June. The event was facilitated by Fr Aidan Troy and Rev Norman Hamilton.
WAVE Centre, Armagh – WAVE Trauma Centre, Dobbin Street, Armagh set aside a special room for private reflection from 10am to 12noon for people from the area. Those who dropped-in were invited to record their thoughts and hopes for the future in a book of reflection which was available on the day. A short walk around the sensory gardens in the Palace Demesne was also facilitated.
Irish School of Ecumenics, Belfast – On the morning of Thursday 21 June, from 10:00am, the Irish School of Ecumenics (ISE) on Antrim Road, Belfast made its garden and a quiet room available as spaces for private reflection. Resources for reflection were available and there was tea and coffee throughout the morning. In the afternoon there was a walk up Cave Hill left from ISE at 2:00pm.
Joymount Presbyterian Church, Carrickfergus – Joymount Presbyterian Church was open for quiet reflection on Thursday, 21 June from 8:00am – 1:00pm and from 7:00pm – 9:30pm. There were specific prayer times led by members of staff from 11:45am – 12:15pm and again between 8:30pm and 9:00pm.
Peace Factory, Dungannon – Peace Factory offered a space at its premises at 32a Coalisland Road, Dungannon where reflection took place on the hurt and loss of the conflict. There was also an opportunity for people to hear about the work the Peace Factory is involved in. The building was open 10:00am to 4:00pm and in the evening by request.
Old Library Trust, Healthy Living Centre – The Old Library Trust in Creggan set aside a room in Lis Linn Healthy Living Centre for people to use for private reflection.
Gilnahirk Presbyterian Church, Castlereagh, Belfast – Gilnahirk Presbyterian Church was open for quiet reflection and prayer on Thursday 21 June from 12 noon – 2:00pm and again from 7:00pm – 8:00pm.
Restoration Ministries – An interdenominational service was held at Restoration House, 4 Thornhill Road, Dunmurry at 8.00pm, entitled ‘A New Beginning’. This was a time to remember the past, celebrate the present and pray for the future.
The Junction, Bishop Street, Derry/Londonderry – From 10am – 4pm, The Junction was open as a space for reflection. All were welcome to drop in throughout the day for a moment of quiet, of stillness.
Priory Integrated College – Priory Integrated College held an afternoon of reflection, where the students brought in photos of positive events that have happened to them and they presented/recorded them in a creative manner. As an integrated school they were trying to look at the positive events and move forward from there. Through learning to share together and understand each other better we can develop meaningful relationships.
Barnardos – Barnardos made a room available for their staff for quiet reflection and also provided opportunities for their staff to engage in reflection through art and music.
Eastern Health and Social Services Board – The Eastern Health and Social Services Board marked the Day of Reflection with a minute’s silence. They invited all staff to pause for a short time in the busy working day to reflect on all hurts, bereavement and injury arising from the “Troubles” and to commit themselves to a different future.
Victims and Survivors Trust – Victims and Survivors Trust members gathered together, opening with poem “Words of Comfort”. Its okay to laugh, remembering the good times, and the happiness we once shared. “Story Telling”, remembering all who were affected by the conflict, through silence and meditation, followed by lunch and a bit of craic.
Irish School of Ecumenics, Dublin – The Irish School of Ecumenics in Dublin had a room available for staff and students for quiet reflection from 12 noon to 2:30pm.
Ethelburga’s Centre for Peace and Reconciliation – St Ethelburga’s (Bishopsgate, London) was open for the Day of Reflection from 3:00pm to 5:00pm.
Hillsborough Presbyterian Church – Hillsborough Presbyterian Church was open for quiet reflection from 9:00am to 9:00pm.
Healing Through Remembering – Healing Through Remembering had a space available for quiet reflection in their office from 9:00am to 5:30pm. Light refreshments were available. All were welcome.
Aisling Centre, Enniskillen – The Aisling Centre, Enniskillen marked the Day of Reflection on the 21st June by providing a candle lit space for reflection with the opportunity for personal expression using creative writing and art materials. Jackie Stretch was the appointed member of the Counselling team who supports people who have experienced Trauma related to the Troubles in Northern Ireland. She was available all day offering staff support and responded to members of the local community who sought support or information on the day. Outside of this time people could refer themselves to the service by ringing the centre reception staff directly between 9.00am to 5.00pm daily (mon – fri) and requesting a referral form.
Saver Naver – Saver Naver’s peace garden in Markethill was open for private reflection on Thursday, 21 June from 9:00am to 5:00pm.
Portstewart Presbyterian Church – Portstewart Presbyterian Church’s Centenary Room was available for private reflection from 7:00pm to 8:00pm.