The Derry Journal January 1980
This may be a small insignificant article in the Journal of 1980 but the implications and impact of Fr Neal Carlins initial initiative are still reverberating in the Fahan and Derry City areas and wider afield. Since that time many steps have been taken towards the completion of Fr Carlins work, 'Freedom to Captives.'
Derry plays big role in Gollan Hill 'Cross of Reconciliation'
By kind permission of Jack Walker, a cross for reconciliation has been erected on the peak of Gollan Hill in Fahan.
A suggestion by Fr Neal Carlin to erect the cross was warmly received and supported by members of all denominations.
Cecil Mitchel worked closely with Father Carlin, his brother Aidan, Paddy McLaughlin, Church Brae and William Doherty, Ludden, in preparing the site. Jim Patterson, of Prehen, built the cross to the design of Aidan Carlin.
Thanks were expressed to Ted Armstrong, head-master of St Joseph's Secondary School, Creggan, and to the teacher in charge of a group of volunteer students who worked hard in adverse weather conditions, carrying concrete mix up the steep incline to the site and later, helping to place the cross.
Brief Description of Steps taken to form Basic Christian Community
1. 1981 Establishing a site in Derry City at which to initiate a Basic Christian Community. Fr Neal was approached by a man, Colm Duffy, who said to him I know what you need and I can show it to you. He brought him to Queen Street and pointed out a derelict bombed out house. When one considers that Fr Neal had no position within the local Church, was not from Derry, had no money, had no recognised group this looked like no brainer.
2. 1982 Formulate the stated purpose of the initiative in the form of a Vision and Mission statement.
3. 1983 Christians Together initiative with monthly meetings in Derrys Guildhall.
4. 1984 Prison Visitation Initiative with Prison Christian Fellowship
5. 1985 Repentance Service at Derry Guildhall (seat of power) to tap into Gods power to resolve the conflict here.
6. 1986 The establishment of St Anthony's as a retreat centre in Donegal.
7. 1987 Idea for Celtic Garden
8. 1988 Much broader Repentance services with crosses carried in London, Dublin and Belfast with 36 Paschal Fires lit on hills throughout Ireland on Holy Saturday night. Columba Community celebrated at Slane.
9. 1989 Crib erected in Queen Street at Christmas and was then erected annually for some ten years until the City Council took the initiative and put one up at the Guildhall.
10.1990 First Good Friday Service at St Anthony's. This still continues annually.
11. 1991 Prison Visitation continues at HMP Magilligan
12. 1992 German Volunteer (Eirene) Heinz Geyer and Sr Rose Harkin (Sisters of Mercy, Letterkenny)work as volunteers at St Anthony's.
13. 1993 Community Relations Council funding funds a Reconciliation Officer at Columba House.
14. 1994 Many Programmes on Reconciliation organised throughout the country. 15. 1999 Idea for WhiteOaks, A purpose built centre for the Healing of those with Addiction Problems.
16. 1999 Ecumenical Committee formed to proceed with idea for Rehabilitation Centre
17. Work and Prayer proceed together.
18. Gollan Hill revisited
19. Idea for Celtic Prayer Garden revisited.
20. 2001 Work proceeds on White Oaks Centre.
21. Fr Neal has idea for IOSAS Centre.
22. Iosas Centre built.
23. Fr Neal has idea again for Prayer Garden dedicated to the saints of the golden age 5th - 12th Century.
24. Construction started and continued for several years - a work in progress.
25. 2010 Columba House in Derry City completely renovated.
26. Celtic Prayer Garden Constructed over a few years with ongoing additions as directed by the Holy Spirit.
27. Prayer, Worship, Adoration and Contemplation are ongoing activities at all Centres.
