“Coming to this event has been one of the best things I’ve done for a long while.”
So said the Mystery Worshipper on the website Ship of Fools who secretly reviewed our St Patrick’s Day Celebrations in 2015.
We have to admit that last year’s St Patrick’s Day celebrations were very special with the historic visit of the Archbishop of Canterbury. However, we can promise you that all the usual ingredients that made the day memorable will be present this year and the speaker will be a bishop rather than an archbishop!
Our St Patrick’s Day is a joyful mix. We begin with Holy Communion in the peaceful surroundings of Saul Church before making the 2 mile prayer pilgrimage to Down Cathedral – always a time of great fellowship with people of different traditions and nationalities. Up at the Cathedral we’re greeted by the wonderful music of the Sullivan Traditional Group and the scene is set for celebration. The wreath–laying ceremony at St Patrick’s grave and an Irish stew and apple pie for lunch in the marquee round off the festivities.
Read the ‘Mystery Worshipper review of the Cathedral Festival Service here and the worship at Saul here.
You’re warmly invited to join us on 17 March when our theme will be ‘In the Footsteps of Patrick – Proclaiming Christ’. The speaker at the Festival Service will be The Rt Revd Harold Miller, Bishop of Down and Dromore. You’ll find all the details of the day here.