Northern Ireland

Former Manchester United footballer turned priest Philip Mulryne and Eurovision’s Dana to speak at west Belfast church event

Fr Philip Mulryne is among the speakers at the 'Light The Fire' event at St Michael the Archangel Church in Finaghy
Fr Philip Mulryne is among the speakers at the 'Light The Fire' event at St Michael the Archangel Church in Finaghy
By Suzanne McGonagle

A former Manchester United footballer turned priest and a Eurovision singer will this week discuss the challenges they have faced in life at an event in west Belfast.

Fr Philip Mulryne and Dana are among the speakers at the five-day, Light The Fire event taking place at St Michael the Archangel Church in Finaghy.

Dublin-based campaigner Fr Peter McVerry, ex-BBC journalist Martina Purdy and Fr Robert McMahon, who recently became a priest aged 71, will also give their testimonies, with all of the speakers having a story that began in west Belfast.

The theme for the event is taken from Dana’s new song, Light the Fire, which brings alive the story of St Patrick who lit the first Easter fire at the Hill of Slane in 433AD.

Parish priest Fr Ciaran Feeney said: “This is an invitation for everyone, for those who go to Mass and those who don’t.

“We can all use more of God’s love and light in our lives.

"So why not  come and hear some amazing testimonies during these five evenings?

Read more:

  • Dana walks St Patrick's Way in Downpatrick
  • Former BBC journalist Martina Purdy returns to religious life in 'miracle' offer
  • Popular west Belfast GAA figure ordained priest during ceremony at St Peter's Cathedral
  • Former Manchester United player turned priest Philip Mulryne warns against turning football into religion

"All our speakers have faced their challenges in life and most of them have a story that begins in west Belfast.

“This is a chance for spiritual renewal and to build up our community.

"Dana will sing two nights on Monday and Tuesday, when Fr Philip will speak about faith and football and how God won.

"On Tuesday after Mass we will have a reception in the adjoining parish hall with Dana and Fr Philip, and everyone is most welcome each evening Monday to Friday at 7pm.

“Whatever you are going through in life, you are not alone.

"Even Dana, who has often spoken of her faith, was a teenage atheist.

"She will share her new song and will speak about her journey on the first evening, and to the students of St Genevieve’s High School on Tuesday morning."

Ms Purdy, who quit her high-profile job to become a nun only to be then forced to leave, will discuss the challenges she has faced.

She will talk about how she coped when she and three other women, including barrister Elaine Kelly from Turf Lodge, were let go by their religious congregation, five years after she quit the BBC to become a Sister of Adoration.

“My faith journey has taken a few unexpected turns and I have been amazed and appalled at times.” she said.

“But there is always hope in the darkness of impossibility.

"Christian joy and Christian hope doesn’t depend on the circumstances of our life, whether we have a home or not, a job or not, whether we are in pain or not.”