THE BISHOPS MESSAGE ON THE OPENING OF THE CHURCH IN SEPTEMBER 1983.

This is the day the Lord has made!

I have looked forward to this day for the last three or four years, ever since I first decided to form a new parish in the developing Ballymagroarty/Foyle Springs area, and to build a church, parochial house and Catholic primary school to serve the Catholic community in this area.

The decision to dedicate this parish to the Holy Family was based on the fact that so many young families have set up their homes here. I believe that this is a very apt and happy choice of title.

The church itself is quite beautiful and we were most fortunate in acquiring such a central and ideal site for the church/parochial house/school complex. It is a building which will greatly enhance the attractiveness of this new area of Derry City. I look forward to the building and completion of the new primary school. It is urgently needed. Work will commence on this school as soon as the Department of Education gives the go-ahead.

I wish God’s blessing to Father Kieran O’Doherty, Administrator, his curate and all the people of this new parish. I hope that together you will build up a truly Christian community, a truly Christian family, reflective of the life of the First Christian Family to whom this parish is dedicated.

September 1983
Edward Daly
Bishop of Derry