by Gráinne Connolly
A Garden of Remembrance has opened in Derry/Londonderry, in memory of people who have taken their own lives.
It was officially launched last week at Cromore Gardens in Creggan, by Creggan Men's Group to mark World Suicide Prevention Day (10th September).
They planted a weeping willow tree alongside a plaque which read "We will be known forvever by the tracks we leave".
A ceremony was held for the opening including the tree planting and a moment of silence for those who have passed away.
It was well attended by local people, many of whom have been affected by suicide.
We're told there was cross-community support for the event, by Reverend Katie McAteer and Reverend Robert Miller from Christ Church, as well as Father Joseph Gormley from St. Mary’s in Creggan.
Speaking to Derry Now after the ceremony, Rev. McAteer said she was invited along because she represents a church, but wanted people to ‘know that just because she’s dressed up as a priest, that shouldn’t be a barrier to people.’
“I want to walk the walk with them and let them know that the church is open to them."
Meanwhile, Father Gormley said suicide is something that affects everybody and recognised that most families in the city have been ‘affected by suicide in some way’.
“As ministers of churches we are called into the situation when it arises, we don’t come with answers, we first of all come to listen to the pain. But we also come with the person, Jesus Christ, who shares everybody’s pain and we want to make people aware of that.
He lived the pain they’re carrying on the cross for them.”
They both encouraged those suffering from mental ill-health to speak to people who will be non-judgemental.
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