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REMARKS BY PRESIDENT MARY McALEESE AT THE OPENING OF DENSMORE LODGE FOR THE SCRIPTURE UNION

REMARKS BY PRESIDENT MARY McALEESE AT THE OPENING OF DENSMORE LODGE FOR THE SCRIPTURE UNION OF IRELAND AVOCA, CO. WICKLOW

Firstly let me say how delighted I am to be here in Avoca to re-establish the connection with Áras an Uachtaráin that was established by one of my predecessors – Dr. Patrick Hillary – when he came here in 1984 to open Avoca Manor - which had been renovated following its hand-over to the Scripture Union. I would particularly like to thank Rev. Robert McMullan, the General Director of Scripture Union in Ireland, for giving me this opportunity to be with you on such an important day for Scripture Union.

Today you are marking a new development in the services that you provide for people who want to participate in outdoor pursuits and other activities – and in the process, to develop their own personal relationship with God, bringing a spiritual dimension to what they do in their lives and in their leisure pursuits. The 32 bed self-catering Densmore Lodge - dedicated to the memory of Mr. and Mrs. Jack Densmore, who were so closely associated with Avoca Manor when it was an orphanage – will facilitate many people who want to spend quality time with the family and friends in some of the many pursuits that are available to them here.

In a world where entertainment of all descriptions is so readily available to all ages – where it is so easy to lose sight of the religious ethic and basic Christian values which can at times be portrayed as unfashionable – the importance of taking some time out to reflect on our lives, on where we fit in to the scheme of things, and to define our place in Gods landscape, is ever more important. With the modern trend towards individualism and individuality – the tendency for greater independence – all of these things put new pressures on people – and can cause them to lose sight of their direction and purpose in life.

Through your work here at Avoca – your bookshop in Dun Laoghaire, and the many other Scripture Union Centres throughout the world – you are providing a vital life-line to those who realise the importance of God in their lives – who want to keep in touch with their faith – and who want to build on their relationship with God to strive for a healthier and more fulfilled life. The fact that you have had cause to embark on this new project is proof itself of the growing requirement to give people that facility – and of the extent to which people are aware of the importance of the spiritual dimension to their lives.

The outdoor pursuits centre at Avoca Manor is at first a place where people of all ages – youth groups, families and individuals – can participate in healthy and rewarding adventure activities – to take a welcome break from the stresses and pressures of modern living. In so doing, they are afforded the opportunity to get the peace of mind – the renewal of spirit – which lets them come to terms with themselves and their maker – and allows them to further develop their relationship with God through building bridges. In today’s world that facility is especially welcome, and I commend the Scripture Union on what they have achieved here in Avoca.

Building an accommodation unit like Densmore requires a considerable amount of commitment and hard work – not to mention a great deal of financial support. I want to take this opportunity to commend and pay tribute to all those who have contributed to making Densmore Lodge a reality – and indeed all who have given of their time and energy over the years to Avoca Manor and to the people who come here to use the facilities. The rewards for your efforts are here before you – a monument to your hard work and dedication to spreading the word of God – and allowing His light to shine into so many lives. I wish you well with the new accommodation – and with your mission to bring health and happiness to so many.

ENDS