By Lisa Ramsden
Just 48 hours after a highly respected local priest was attacked in his church, followed by the shock discovery of a local grandfather’s body at his home, the community of Downpatrick united in prayer yesterday morning.
There remained a sense of solemnity and shock in the air as relatives of murder victim, 56-year-old Stephen Brannigan, and Canon John Murray joined with clergy, police, paramedics, and the wider community for the special service at St Colmcille’s Church on the outskirts of the town.
The special Mass, led by the Bishop of Down and Connor, Bishop Alan McGuckian, was told that the injured priest is now in a stable condition in hospital. Canon Murray was rushed to the Royal Victoria Hospital on Sunday morning, shortly after being attacked in the sacristy of St Patrick’s Church.
The well-respected Canon, who would have performed his final Mass as parish priest this Friday after just shy of 11 years working in the area, sustained a serious head injury after being attacked. Shortly later, Mr Brannigan’s body was discovered across town, in his Marian Park home.
The 30-year-old local man who was detained in relation to Mr Brannigan’s death and the attempted murder of Canon Murray remains in police custody. Detectives were granted a court extension of an additional 36 hours to question him. This came into effect early on Monday afternoon.
During yesterday’s service, the gravity of the situation which unfolded at the weekend was never far from anyone’s mind. Those in attendance were visibly moved, as Bishop McGuckian and his clergy colleagues offered prayers for the grieving Brannigan family, Canon Murray and his loved ones, as well as praying for the suspect and his family.
It was also confirmed that Mr Brannigan’s father had met with the suspect’s father following the arrest. Bishop McGuckian told the hundreds of people who packed into the church that people needed courage, and not to be afraid.
Acknowledging that, at this time, this is not easy, the Bishop said that even in these dreadful circumstances people need to be courageous and hold on to their faith. The senior clergyman said that Canon Murray had been touched by the public’s response.
Referencing scripture, Bishop McGuckian said that “at a moment like this, when so many people feel a great fear and a great sense of uncertainty, asking ‘what is going on, what is happening to us?’,” the community needs to unite. Acknowledging that there is “a terrible sense of uncertainty” amongst those closest to Mr Brannigan and Fr John, he added that people “must at this time feel a terrible sense of uncertainty, like walking on water”.
The Bishop added: “There is an invitation to each one of us this morning, that even in these terrible circumstances when we are shocked and upset on so many levels, that we will hear our God say ‘have courage, it is I, do not be afraid’.”
During the service he also took the opportunity to thank Superintendent Norman Haslett, the PSNI’s area commander, and his officers for their endeavours. Superintendent Haslett, who was amongst the congregation yesterday, was thanked for his attendance as well as his officers’ work at the scenes and their ongoing investigations.
“I would like to acknowledge the presence here of Superintendent Norman Haslett and members of the PSNI who have played a really important role, and for their prompt response on Sunday,” he told the service.
Speaking after the service, Bishop McGuckian told the Mourne Observer that “the message that we have heard here in the Mass this morning is ‘do not be afraid.’ I know that many people are shocked and upset when something as violent as this breaks into their lives,” he continued. “The call is ‘do not be afraid,’ set aside your fears and reach out to one another. We will be of huge support to one another when we transcend our fears.”
The Bishop added that Canon Murray “is tired, but getting stronger.” He said the community-wide response “was so heartening,” adding that the decision to organise Sunday night’s prayer vigil was comforting.
“I was so heartened to hear there was a spontaneous coming together of people on Sunday night. That was just a great sign of the community; it was lovely that people felt compelled to do that. I know that people all across the community, the Catholic community and much wider, that people are both shocked and full of compassion and full of support.”
Read more coverage of the incidents in Downpatrick in the current issue.
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