Captive theme for Saint Patrick's Day celebrations
Although there was some early sunshine there was a brisk wind to greet those who arrived at Saul Parish church and Down Cathedral to take part in the annual Saint Patrick's Day celebrations. Bishop Harold's chosen theme this year was ‘Captive' which linked the story of Patrick with the 200th anniversary of the abolition of the slave trade and this was reflected in the different elements of the services and pilgrimage. This year's invited guests included members of the Mothers' Union, Streetreach, Tearfund and Evangelical Alliance, NI.
This was the first Saint Patrick's Day as Dean of Down Cathedral for the Very Revd Henry Hull, who was the preacher at the Holy Communion service at Saul. During his address the Dean said: It is time to put the past behind and step forward positively towards a new future'. He referred to the example of Patrick who was first brought to Ireland against his will and cruelly traded as a slave, but later, with God's help, was prepared to go to those who held him captive and offer forgiveness.
The annual Pilgrimage between Saul and Down Cathedral followed the service in Saul. The Pilgrimage began with the words: ‘to be chained is to dehumanise. Today we carry chains, although we are not bound by them. We give thanks for the abolition of the Slave Trade 200 years ago and we honour the memory of those who suffered under slavery and those who worked for its abolition'. As the pilgrims set off short lengths of chain were carried and young people from Streetreach handed out whistles. The pilgrimage had five Prayer Stations with pilgrims sounding their whistles as they left each station. This was in support of the Micah ‘blow the whistle campaign', which is urging governments who signed up in 2000 to halve poverty by 2015 to meet their commitment, as we are approaching the half way stage and many of the goals are in danger of not being met.
Irish dancers and the Sullivan Upper Traditional Folk Group greeted those arriving for the main interdenominational service. Counsellor William Clarke, Chair of Down District Council, and clergy of other denominations from the Downpatrick area were amongst the invited guests.
At the beginning of the Cathedral service the lengths of chain from the pilgrimage were combined into one chain, making a chain of 200 links (representing 200 years of freedom from slavery) and this was dragged into the Cathedral. The Very Revd Henry Hull welcomed the congregation to the service and the Rt Revd Harold Miller, Bishop of Down and Dromore, introduced the guest preacher, the Revd Canon Joel Edwards who is the General Secretary of Evangelical Alliance in the UK. Bishop Harold continued: ‘As we celebrate the 200th anniversary of the abolition of the Slave Trade, we come with a message of freedom - the freedom found in being captive to the Spirit of God'.
In a drama setting, historian, Philip Orr, read two relevant pieces entitled: ‘Letter to the People of Ireland (Thomas Russell) and ‘Set my People Free'. The Cathedral Choir, under the direction of the Cathedral Organist, Mr Michael McCracken, led the music. The Old and New Testament readers were Linda Gordon and Dominic Breen and the intercessions were led by David Porter. The Brennan-Miskelly-McCormick School of Irish Dancing performed a ‘Dance of Freedom' and Julie Bell, on violin, played reflective music before the address by Joel Edwards.
During his address Canon Edwards said: ‘There are few places where Paul married apostolic authority and irony as in his letter to Philemon. Paul the prisoner of Jesus appeals to a Christian master to treat a slave as a ‘man and a brother'. He does so by pointing out that the former slave who is now a brother will be more profitable because he has become the slave of Christ.
Before Philemon realises what is going on, he has become not only the servant of Christ and Paul, but a fellow servant with his former slave. And that's because Philemon became a captive to the Gospel.'
Tim Magowan from Tearfund had an opportunity to speak about The Micah Challenge and urged the congregation to sign the cards, which had been given out as people came into the Cathedral. The offering taken up during the service is going to the Dean's Travel Awards, which supports young people going on short-term, or Gap Year Mission Projects.
Following the Cathedral service a short wreath-laying ceremony took place at Saint Patrick's Grave, which is adjoining the Cathedral. Afterwards Bishop Harold entertained his invited guests to an Irish stew lunch in the marquee and Tearfund volunteers were on hand to offer samples of Fairtrade products as guests were leaving.
To view the video of the Saint Patrick's Celebrations in Saul and Downpatrick click here