Opening of Tabor House, Navan
 

Sister Catherine makes a presentation
to  President Mary McAleese

On Sunday, May 8th. 2005 Tabor House, a centre which will provide a residential supportive environment for addicted men in early recovery, was officially opened.

It is situated in its own grounds on the Trim Road in Navan, Co Meath, Ireland and can accommodate 10 men aged 18 years and over.  It was set up by the Tabor House Trust, Ltd., under the guidance of Columban Sister Catherine Lillis,  who trained as an addiction counsellor in the USA.

The programme emphasises personal responsibility, peer support, participation in a 12 step programme for a contented, healthy sobriety. It is funded by contributions from participants, the North Eastern Health Board, Meath County Council and fundraising.
Among the 350 guests were Noel Dempsey TD, Minister for Education and Science,  Meath Co Council members, Columban Fathers, Columban Sisters,  Diocesan clergy, members of the medical and judiciary professions, Garda Siochana and members of Sister Catherine Lillis’ family and other benefactors and friends.


In her address, President McAleese paid tribute to the zeal and determination of Catherine and her team and also stressed that an attitude in Ireland towards alcohol must undergo a radical change from a cavalier acceptance to a stark realization of the terrible damage abuse can cause. She underlined that the centre was a place of hope for those who would use it, while not minimising the great challenge it also presented to each one.


For ten years Catherine Lillis dreamed of providing this service which was was officially inaugurated by the President of Ireland, Mary McAleese, accompanied by her husband, Martin. At the President’s request Mass was celebrated in a large, beautiful marquee erected in the back garden of the house by the parish priest of Navan. The parish choir sang beautifully for the feast of the Ascension of the Lord. Several Columban Sisters were present  including Sisters Mary Mortell, who sang the responsorial Psalm, Damien Rooney, Cait Coyle, Margaret Burke and Ita McElwain who read some of the  prayers of the faithful.

As refreshments were served the President mingled among the guests.  Chatting with the Columban Sisters she told them of her recent  visit to Korea where she had met many Columban Sisters in Seoul, adding that a prominent member of the Korean Government had publicly acknowledged the great service rendered to his country by the Columban Sisters during the past 50 years.

At the conclusion of the inauguration Catherine addressed the assembly and publicly thanked all for their support and presence in the making the dream of Tabor House a reality. She paid tribute to those who helped her from the beginning and acknowledged with gratitude the support and freedom given her by her own Columban community.

Congratulations Catherine!  May God bless the years ahead!

To contact Tabor House:
E-mail:  

tabornavan@eircom.net

Telephone:  046-9077909

Fax:           046-9077902