Diocesan News09 Dec 08

Two Cathedrals to Celebrate 400 years

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.

The Dean of Down, the Very Revd Henry Hull and the Dean of Dromore, the Very Revd Stephen Lowry are currently preparing proposals to celebrate this significant milestone in the life of the United Diocese of Down and Dromore. While plans are at an early stage, it is anticipated that ‘Dromore Cathedral Friends’ and the ‘Friends of Down Cathedral’ will play a role in events.

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 form the celebrations planned to take place during 2009. The anniversary will be marked with joyful celebrations in both Cathedrals, perhaps including concerts, musical celebrations, community events, historical tours and talks on the history of each ecclesiastical site and an innovative journey from one Cathedral to the other. More details will be available early in 2009.