Press Releases05 Mar 04

Saint Patrick's Day Celebrations at Saul and Down Cathedral

ST PATRICK'S DAY CELEBRATIONS AT SAUL AND DOWN CATHEDRAL

One of the events to celebrate our Patron Saint will be the annual pilgrimage from Saul Church to Down Cathedral on Wednesday 17 March. Prior to this there will be a service of Holy Communion when Canon Alan Abernethy, Rector of Ballyholme Parish, Bangor, will preach. The Bishop of Down and Dromore, the Rt Revd Harold Miller will lead the 35-minute pilgrimage to Downpatrick where they will be welcomed at the cathedral by music provided by ?The new Irish Players?. The Dean of Down, the Very Revd John Dinnen will welcome the congregation to the Interdenominational Festival Service, and the worship will be led by the Choir and Junior Choir of Down Cathedral, conducted by Michael McCracken. Soloist will be Nichola Cowan. Bishop Miller has also invited to this service people who have recently engaged in Alpha and other Christianity courses in and around the Diocese of Down and Dromore, and will preach on the theme of ?Starting the Journey?.

Timings and photo opportunities:
9.30 a.m. Communion Service in Saul Church
10.30 a.m. Pilgrimage from Saul to Down Cathedral
11.45 a.m. Interdenominational Festival Service
1.00 p.m. Wreath-laying ceremony at Saint Patrick?s grave