Servite Priory - Benburb Centre |
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Pastoral, Retreat & Conference Centre Promoting Peace & Reconciliation In Northern Ireland |
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About Benburb, Co. Tyrone |
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To contact us: |
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Friar Servants of Mary (OSM) Servite Trust N.I. - Charity Number XN55092 |
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The Servite Priory - Benburb Centre is situated in East Tyrone, about seven miles from the city of Armagh and seven miles from the town of Dungannon. The beautiful old Manor house was built by the Bruce family in the 1880’s and has had several owner before becoming a priory and centre. Used in its long history as a private residence for the Bruce family, an English and American Army hospital during the Second World War, and since 1947 a priory and conference centre run by the Servite Order.
It was purchased in 1947 by Fr. James M. Keane OSM of Chicago, USA on behalf of the then ‘Our Lady of Sorrows’ Province of the Servants of Mary, who wished to open a Servite Foundation in Ireland. After the necessary renovations the Priory was officially opened on the 6th June 1947.
Since coming to Benburb the Servites have maintained an ‘open door’ policy to all of the community regardless of religion and the Priory-Centre is seen as a haven where people can come and feel welcome.
The Priory - Centre is open as a Pastoral, Retreat and Conference Centre with bedrooms, conference rooms, meeting rooms and so on. It is located in an area of outstanding natural and scenic beauty and of great historical importance, and gateway to the Benburb Valley Park, Benburb Castle and Bawn. |
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Benburb Valley Park |
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Besides the superb scenery and landscapes, the Benburb Valley Park has indeed many other facilities that cover a wide range of activities. The Blackwater river with its serpentine trails has hewn a beautiful gorge across the countryside and is an ideal location for canoeing, fishing and walking.
Within a ten mile radius there are 40 miles and the river Blackwater is available for salmon, trout and a excellent variety of coarse fishing. The extensiveness of the countryside gives splendid conditions for picnicing, fellwalking, fossil hunting, orienteering and rock climbing as well as Geocaching.
Benburb, itself is a small village with a long history. The small population blends with the relaxing yet fascinating atmosphere. Its seclusion is the perfect environment for visitors of all ages.
The Priory and Centre attracts groups from every walk of life who come to meet and discuss the many complex issues which effect their lives. It is also used as a recreational facility for groups wishing to expand their skills in cultural activities or for those wishing to participate in courses in spiritual and human development. Some of the groups who come are inter-denominational and they spend their time here living, working, praying and recreating together. For many the Priory and Centre provides them with that freedom of association so often denied them in their home or local environment. They soon learn that it is okay to enjoy the company of people who come from different backgrounds and leave having made new friends. |
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Servite Priory & Benburb Centre |
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Servite Priory—Benburb Centre 10 Main Street Benburb Co. Tyrone BT71 7JZ |
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Phone: 028 37548241 (ten lines) Fax: 028 37548524 E-mail: servitepriory@btconnect.com |