400th Anniversary of Charter to be Celebrated on St Patrick's Day
Down and Dromore will have double cause for celebration this St Patrick's Day as 2009 marks the 400th Anniversary of the Royal Charter issued to both Down Cathedral and Dromore Cathedral.
After the service of Holy Communion at Saul Parish Church, Bishop Harold Miller will be joined by pilgrims, local clergy and dignitaries on the pilgrimage to Down Cathedral. The prayers during the pilgrimage this year will focus on peace in our province.
Those attending the 11.45am service at Down Cathedral will receive a newly published booklet on Patrick written by Pastor Derick Bingham. Pastor Derick was to have given the address but, unfortunately, is unable to attend due to serious illness. The preacher will instead be Bishop Harold and the welcome given by the Very Revd Henry Hull, Dean of Down. The Down High Chamber Choir and the Sullivan Folk Group will perform.
The Bishop will launch the Cathedral's Anniversary Appeal and also announce the results of the children's art competition. Local P7 pupils were challenged to depict 400 years of history at Down Cathedral and 25 of the best entries will be on display. The winners will receive their prizes during the service.
The wreath laying ceremony at St Patrick's grave will be followed by a buffet lunch for invited guests.
History
2009 marks the 400th Anniversary of the issue of Letters Patent by King James 1, in 1609. This Royal Charter formally constituted Cathedrals in Downpatrick and Dromore as well as St Saviour, Connor in Lisburn Cathedral.
The Cathedral Churches of Christ the Redeemer in Dromore and the Holy Trinity in Downpatrick have served as centres of Diocesan and Parish life ever since.
Down Cathedral is built on the site where it is believed that the mortal remains of Patrick are buried. The site has been a centre of Christian worship dating back to the eighth century. The Cathedral is first and foremost a place for mediation and worship, for the local congregation, for the Diocese and for all in Ireland and beyond who cherish the faith of Patrick. The Cathedral stands prominently and majestically as a memorial to our historic past. It is good that it should and that it is preserved as such. But it stands for much more. An historic building such as this lifts us out of the realms of things and circumstances which change into the realm of things which are eternal and do not change; out of the world of passing fancy and fashion into the world of lasting value and intrinsic worth. It gives us a sense of perspective both in space and time.
Dromore Cathedral is situated on the banks of the River Lagan at the heart of the historical market town of Dromore. St Colman of Dromore set up a small ‘daub and wattle' church on this site in 510 AD. Probably thatched with reeds from the River Lagan which flows beside it, this church site has been, for the fifteen centuries since, a location for the worship of Jesus Christ, the Redeemer of all humanity. Some 570 families make up the Parish of Dromore and the pattern of worship in the Cathedral reflects the wide range of ages and tastes across the parish. The Church serves mainly as a Parish church for the developing community with four regular services each Sunday, but is also a centre of Diocesan life.
Both Deans are already committed to developing the vision of a local church which supports and encourages the world church and they believe that a Diocese with an outward-looking vision is best able to deal with its local issues in a healthy and balanced way. These themes will inform all the celebrations planned for 2009.