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Online Mass for the Disappeared.

5th April 2020

A special Palm Sunday Mass for the Disappeared was streamed online today (Sunday 5 April)  from St Mary’s Church in Creggan, Derry.

It is the first time in 20 years that the Families of the Disappeared were unable to come together in Armagh because of the coronavirus pandemic.

Father Joe Gormley celebrated the Mass and lit candles in remembrance of the Disappeared including Lisa Dorrian.

Father Gormley who keeps in regular contact with Rosemonde Nairac the sister of Robert Nairac said:

“It is particularly important for the Families to know that in the midst of this world wide crisis they still remain in the thoughts and prayers of everyone who knows how they have suffered and for those whose loved ones have not been found continue to suffer almost unendurable loss and pain over so many years:.

Dympna Kerr whose brother Columba McVeigh has yet to be found said:

“The annual Palm Sunday Mass means so much to the Families.  Even though we can’t be together as in previous years we will be together spiritually and that brings its own comfort.  We are very grateful that Father Joe is reaching out to us all particularly at this time. We continue to hope and pray that Columba, Joe Lynskey and Robert Nairac will be returned for the Christian burial denied them for far too long”.

Sandra Peake the CEO of the WAVE Trauma Centre which has supported the Families of the Disappeared for the past 25 years said:

“At a time when we all are told that we need to stay at home to help combat this terrible pandemic the importance of the family sticking together is emphasised as never before.  It has often been said that the Families of the Disappeared are in a real sense one family offering mutual support and giving each other the strength to carry on despite the hurt that has been done to them.

Today we will be together again.

We will remember all those who were taken and especially those who have yet to be found including Lisa Dorrian.  We know that many people in Ireland and beyond will light candles in remembrance and in hope.  The strength of spirit shown buy the Families is undiminished and they will not rest until all those Disappeared will be returned to their families”.

Anyone with information relating to the whereabouts of the remains of Joe Lynskey, Columba McVeigh or Robert Nairac should contact CrimeStoppers on 0800 555 111 and the untraceable anonymous online form is at www.crimestoppers-uk.org.

 

The ICLVR can be contacted by telephone: 00800-55585500  International: +353 1 602 8655

E-mail information to: Secretary@iclvr.ie

By post to: ICLVR PO Box 10827