Christmas superdraw to help Termonbacca sanctuary : Local businesses donate prizes

The Covid-19 Pandemic has played serious havoc with many of the things in life people took for granted, particularly our sacred places of worship, spiritual refuge, encounter and reconciliation. Things we now know that are much needed, not just for the spiritual life of people but also for their mental and physical wellbeing as well. The damaging life-changing effects of this pandemic have reached deep into many people’s lives.

In 1982, the Discalced Carmelite Order where invited to the former Nazareth Home by the late, and much loved Bishop of Derry, Father Edward Daly. They took up residence and established a monastery and founded and developed an important reconciliation and retreat centre there – the Iona Centre. Over the years the Carmelite order has welcomed many thousands of visitors, as individuals and groups, and has been involved in the provision of spiritual guidance, confession, counselling, prayer and indeed religious education programmes. The Iona Retreat and Reconciliation Centre at Termonbacca has established itself as a much needed religious facility and a place of spiritual refuge where one will find a listening ear and a gracious welcome.

It is therefore extremely sad and frustrating that because of the Covid-19 restrictions, this most needed centre for religious activities and spiritual outreach programmes, has been badly curtailed and activities, in many cases, postponed to an unknown future date. The reasons are well known, understood and are generally well accepted as necessary for the reduction of disease transmission rates. It is nevertheless ironic, that a major spiritual asset, important in the overall spiritual life of people, that provides a much needed haven of peace, a quiet place for spiritual encounter, is collateral damage.

Many people can testify to the fact that coming on encounter retreats held regularly in Termonbacca has helped them overcome complex and difficult lifestyle and life-choice difficulties and problems. It has been the place where God has encountered many lost sheep over the years.

Since their arrival in Derry, the Discalced Carmelites have worked quietly under the radar, during some of the most painful and difficult days in the history of the Diocese of Derry, providing an oasis of spiritual solace. In return they asked no reward except the knowledge they were doing the Lord’s work and preaching His gospel message, whilst reaching out to those in need.

However, the sudden serious reductions to the financial income sources open to Termonbacca, have left many of the people who use it, work there and those who have tremendous value for it, wondering how they can help. Now here is an opportunity to do just that.

Since the first lock-down in March, the Termonbacca Pastoral Committee have been organising small draws to at least provide some income, to off-set the most pressing financial burden, the provision of heat, electricity and ongoing maintenance needed to upkeep and maintain the facility buildings. Many of the buildings are old and in constant need of regular maintenance.

With Christmas on the horizon, the Pastoral Committee decided to hold a super draw and put out a call for much needed prizes.

They were inundated with a bonanza of prizes from the Derry community, in fact they received 14 and what a selection they are: a cash prize of £500, £200 toy voucher, a tumbler dryer, 32” Smart TV, 500lts of home heating oil, two nights in the Ballyliffen Hotel, several food hampers and a hamper of Atelier hair products, a new double bed, a car service kit and fitting, a voucher for hair extension fitting. Indeed a veritable bonanza for Christmas!

You can help Termonbacca Monastery and the Iona Centre and its upkeep through these challenging and difficult times by purchasing some draw tickets which are available from Termonbacca itself (just call up and please wear a mask), or by messaging the Termonbacca Facebook page or emailing termonbaccaderry@gmail.com or by phoning the mobile number 07592252436.

Tickets are also being sold by members of the Termonbacca Pastoral committee.