Life

150 years of living out the story of the Passion at Holy Cross, Ardoyne

The Passionist parish at Holy Cross, Ardoyne has just celebrated its 150th anniversary. Brian McKee reflects on the unique bond between the community and its priests

The twin spires of Holy Cross stand proudly on the hill of Ardoyne. Picture by Ann McManus
The twin spires of Holy Cross stand proudly on the hill of Ardoyne. Picture by Ann McManus The twin spires of Holy Cross stand proudly on the hill of Ardoyne. Picture by Ann McManus

THE twin spires of Holy Cross stand proudly on the hill of Ardoyne. The sight of these spires tells Ardonians that we are back home.

The history of Holy Cross, Ardoyne is marked by the dedication of the Passionists, not only in helping to shape the life of the community, but in their total immersion in the lifeblood of the parish.

From the first days of their arrival on the 'green grassy slopes of Ardoyne' to recent events that have marked the story of this community in north Belfast, the Passionists have shared in the struggle and in the dignity of a fiercely proud community.

A look at the past 150 years of life in this parish throws up common themes.

A book telling the history of the Holy Cross parish has been produced to mark its 150th anniversary. Picture by Ann McManus
A book telling the history of the Holy Cross parish has been produced to mark its 150th anniversary. Picture by Ann McManus A book telling the history of the Holy Cross parish has been produced to mark its 150th anniversary. Picture by Ann McManus

The story of Ardoyne has been marked by poverty and deep need; by struggle against oppression and sectarianism; but also by the unconquered spirit of a people who have a deep pride in being different - or, if you are from Ardoyne, 'special'.

The people who hail from this proud parish may be identified as coming from Belfast, but each and every one proclaims that they are from Ardoyne first and foremost.

For a piece of this land so seemingly small in scale, Ardoyne has suffered and endured far beyond what may seem fair.

But the people of this square mile of hallowed turf have also made a contribution to the life, not only of this country but also to lands across the sea, that would leave more prosperous parts of this country in its shadow.

Mary McAleese, who went from Ardoyne to the Áras, and her husband Martin attended the Mass of Thanksgiving to celebrate 150 years of Holy Cross. Picture by Ann McManus
Mary McAleese, who went from Ardoyne to the Áras, and her husband Martin attended the Mass of Thanksgiving to celebrate 150 years of Holy Cross. Picture by Ann McManus Mary McAleese, who went from Ardoyne to the Áras, and her husband Martin attended the Mass of Thanksgiving to celebrate 150 years of Holy Cross. Picture by Ann McManus

People from Ardoyne have made their inimitable mark on in the fields of politics, business, education, sport and faith.

Ardoyne people stand alongside their contemporaries with justifiable pride.

From the early days of Holy Cross, parishioners have been involved in the work of the Passionists in the parish.

For the people of Holy Cross, Ardoyne, we know that we are not just a parish - we are a Passionist parish and we are proud of that

Parish records write about the warm welcome the first Passionists received. They also record how, after long hours of tough work in the local mills, parishioners would come each night with their saws, hatchets and shovels to work until the early hours of the morning, removing trees and preparing the ground for the first church.

It would be impossible though, to separate politics and community strife from the development of the life of Holy Cross, Ardoyne.

Even during the construction of the first chapel and retreat house, it was recorded that local men had to guard the grounds for fear of sectarian attack.

It is a sad indictment on our ability to live together in mutual respect that local men were again guarding the church during the 1970s.

August 1969 marked a turning point in the experience of the community ministered to by the Passionists living in Holy Cross, Ardoyne.

The Passionist parish of Holy Cross, Ardoyne has celebrated its 150th anniversary. Picture by Hugh Russell
The Passionist parish of Holy Cross, Ardoyne has celebrated its 150th anniversary. Picture by Hugh Russell The Passionist parish of Holy Cross, Ardoyne has celebrated its 150th anniversary. Picture by Hugh Russell

As violence hit the streets and homes of this small community, we became a people the prophet Isaiah described as being "familiar with grief".

The first vow taken by a Passionist on the day of his religious profession is "to keep alive the memory of the Passion" and on the streets of Ardoyne this vow is not expressed through pious prayer or devotion, but in the lived reality on a daily basis as people seek hope in the midst of pain, affliction, conflict and death itself.

If there is any community that lives out the story of the Passion, it is the community of Holy Cross, Ardoyne.

Ninety-nine people from this small community lost their lives in horrendous circumstances; "the crucified was no stranger".

If there is anywhere that a Passionist should be present, it is on the streets of Ardoyne.

There is a strong attachment between the people of Ardoyne and the Passionists.

Times have certainly changed though, and faith is no longer something that can be taken for granted.

While faith in the past was largely a matter of fate, today the choice of faith is very much a choice to swim against the tide; maybe that is a more authentic expression of faith.

Fr Raphael, one of the pioneering Passionists who arrived at Ardoyne in 1868 to establish the Holy Cross parish. The first church was dedicated in 1869. Picture from Holy Cross Ardoyne, 1869-2019
Fr Raphael, one of the pioneering Passionists who arrived at Ardoyne in 1868 to establish the Holy Cross parish. The first church was dedicated in 1869. Picture from Holy Cross Ardoyne, 1869-2019 Fr Raphael, one of the pioneering Passionists who arrived at Ardoyne in 1868 to establish the Holy Cross parish. The first church was dedicated in 1869. Picture from Holy Cross Ardoyne, 1869-2019

On August 3 1869, Fathers Raphael and Alphonsus and Brother Luke first arrived in Ardoyne to build the new Passionist Foundation.

The challenge facing Passionists today is to express their charism in such a manner that the white Passionist symbol - that emblem of the Sacred Heart of Jesus surmounted by a cross which stands out so eloquently against their black habit - continues to be a sign of hope to people searching for meaning and hope in their lives.

For the people of Holy Cross, Ardoyne, we know that we are not just a parish - we are a Passionist parish and we are proud of that.

Not a bad legacy to 150 years of service in the Church and in the world today.

Holy Cross, Ardoyne. Picture by Hugh Russell
Holy Cross, Ardoyne. Picture by Hugh Russell Holy Cross, Ardoyne. Picture by Hugh Russell
Fr Eugene McCarthy, Rector at Holy Cross, greets members of the congregation after a Mass of Thanksgiving on Sunday to celebrate 150 years of the 'People and Passionists' in Ardoyne. Picture by Ann McManus
Fr Eugene McCarthy, Rector at Holy Cross, greets members of the congregation after a Mass of Thanksgiving on Sunday to celebrate 150 years of the 'People and Passionists' in Ardoyne. Picture by Ann McManus Fr Eugene McCarthy, Rector at Holy Cross, greets members of the congregation after a Mass of Thanksgiving on Sunday to celebrate 150 years of the 'People and Passionists' in Ardoyne. Picture by Ann McManus
Clergy at the Mass of Thanksgiving to celebrate 150 years of Holy Cross. Picture by Ann McManus
Clergy at the Mass of Thanksgiving to celebrate 150 years of Holy Cross. Picture by Ann McManus Clergy at the Mass of Thanksgiving to celebrate 150 years of Holy Cross. Picture by Ann McManus
Fr Gary Donegan. Picture by Ann McManus
Fr Gary Donegan. Picture by Ann McManus Fr Gary Donegan. Picture by Ann McManus
Clergy, including former rector Fr Aidan Troy, at the Holy Cross Mass of Thanksgiving. Picture by Ann McManus
Clergy, including former rector Fr Aidan Troy, at the Holy Cross Mass of Thanksgiving. Picture by Ann McManus Clergy, including former rector Fr Aidan Troy, at the Holy Cross Mass of Thanksgiving. Picture by Ann McManus
Brian McKee
Brian McKee Brian McKee