The symbolism of the beacons
At the end of the Festival Service tomorrow (Saturday 16 March) Bishop David will light a beacon in the grounds of Down Cathedral. This fire will be symbolic of our desire and our prayer, that God would rekindle the fire of faith that Patrick lit in Ireland almost 1600 years ago.
Every church in the diocese will take away a torch and consecrated oil from the Festival Service and on Sunday evening 17 March, St Patrick’s Day, light their own beacon in the context of a special service of prayer for revival.
The inspiration for this is St Patrick’s fire, lit on the Hill of Slane in defiance of the pagan king on Easter Eve 433AD. Glynis Matchett tells the story below.
Full details of our Diocesan Celebrations on Saturday 16 March can be found AT THIS LINK.