Mark H Durkan withi his beloved sister Gabrielle
SDLP FOYLE MLA Mark H Durkan is to speak at a special retreat on Lough Derg later this month about suicide.
The former Environment Minister will speak at the Living With Suicide Day Retreat on his life’s experience following the loss of his sister Gabrielle to suicide over five years ago.
The married father of two is greatly involved in community work and regularly gives of his time to charitable causes.
Gabrielle – known affectionately as Gay – was just 28 when she died and was a proud nurse at Altnagelvin Hospital.
A popular person, Gay had many friends, and among those friends was her brother and well known politician.
Retreat Spiritual Director Fr Cathal Deery said; “Suicide touches everybody regardless of whether you have faith or not. It is no respecter of age, gender, background, class or religious denomination.
“This special day on the Island Sanctuary of Lough Derg offers those affected by suicide, either through personal loss or with suicidal ideation and those working in support services or who minister to the suicide bereaved, the opportunity for deeper understanding and support to make sense of it all. Lough Derg welcomes everyone.
Living with the impact of suicide requires strength for the long haul and support can be even more important the longer time passes.
Fr Cathal reflected on his ministry on Lough Derg,
“Every year I encounter more people who live with the struggles of suicide and who search for answers to their questions.
“Many people come to the Island seeking help and searching for meaning for what is happening in their lives.
“But equally so, we are aware that many people live in silence and isolation.
“Anyone who has been affected in any way by suicide, including those who minister and support in this area are welcome. We invite you to come and listen, come as you are to this safe place, a place where no one is judged and where all are equal.
“This day is not a conference in the secular sense of the world but rather to invite people to come to a safe place where they might find some sense of healing and peace in the midst of pain and struggle.
“What is very important is that there is no expectation on anyone who attends to say or share anything.
“There will be no other activities on the island during the day.”
Programme for the Day
Boats available from 9.15am
9.30 – 10.00am – Arrival on Island (Tea/Coffee etc.)
10.30am – Welcome
11.00am – Mark H Durkan (speaker)
11.50am – Comfort Break
12.00noon – Joan Freeman (speaker)
12.50pm – Prayer
1.00pm – Lunch
2.30pm – Reflection, Comments, Questions
3.00pm – Mass
3.45pm – Departure
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Admission €40/£35 per person (includes return boat, refreshments & lunch)
Advance booking essential. For more information or to book contact Sharon or Maureen. Tel: 071 986 1518 or email;[email protected]
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