A Double Celebration on St Patrick’s Day
A Double Celebration on St Patrick’s Day
Down and Dromore had double cause for celebration this St Patrick’s Day as 2009 marked the 400th Anniversary of the Royal Charter issued to both Down Cathedral and Dromore Cathedral. And it was indeed a joyous event as Down Cathedral filled with the sights and sounds of Ireland – folk music from the Sullivan Group, a processional Irish dance from ‘Trim the Velvet’ and pieces from Down High School Chamber Choir.
Saul Parish Church overflowed as many began the day with a service of Holy Communion. Rev Jono Pierce preached to an international congregation, speaking movingly of the legacy of Patrick and its inspiration on the life of a terminally ill friend.
Bishop Harold Miller and local clergy were joined by around 150 pilgrims for the walk to Down Cathedral which this year had special significance as a prayer walk for peace. The cross passed through the hands of pastors from Pakistan, Ghana, a visiting Professor from the Ohio and several of his American students.
Very Revd Henry Hull, the Dean of Down, welcomed a large congregation to the Cathedral for the interdenominational service where those attending received a newly published booklet on Patrick written by Pastor Derick Bingham.
In his address Bishop Harold reminded us of the key role of the Church in our society and called upon us to once again own 2 Chronicles 7:14 – ‘To humble ourselves, and pray and turn from our wicked ways’.
During the service the Bishop launched the Cathedral’s Anniversary Appeal and also awarded the prizes for the 400th Anniversary Art Competition entered by local P7 pupils.
The wreath laying ceremony at St Patrick’s grave took place in bright sunshine and was followed by a buffet lunch in the marquee.