Diocesan News
Saint Patrick’s Day Celebrations at Saul and Down Cathedral
Each Saint Patrickstide the diocese of Down and Dromore celebrates the Patron Saint with an annual pilgrimage from Saul Church to Down Cathedral. This year the pilgrimage will take place on Thursday 17 March 2005 and will follow a service of Holy Communion in Saul Church when the Revd Marie Walsh will be the preacher.
The Bishop of Down and Dromore, the Rt Revd Harold Miller, will lead ?pilgrims? on the 35-minute pilgrimage to Downpatrick where they will be greeted at the Cathedral with music provided by a local harpist. The Dean of Down, the Very Revd John Dinnen, will welcome the congregation to the Interdenominational Festival Service, with the Junior Choir of Down Cathedral leading the worship. The Soloist, David Gate, will perform songs of worship and justice.
The Festival Service will focus on ?Global Vision? looking at short term voluntary service in different parts of the world. Representatives from Tearfund, Trocaire, Habitat for Humanity and Youth for Christ will take part in the worship. Bishop Miller has also invited people to the service from around the diocese who have been on short and long term mission projects.
Bishop Dan Herzog from our link diocese of Albany, New York, will be the preacher.
Supplementary information - the Revd Richard Treacy has compiled a website with extensive information on St Patrick ? see http://www.prayonstpatricksday.com.
Timings:
09.30 am Communion Service in Saul Church
10.30 am Pilgrimage from Saul to Down Cathedral
11.45 am Interdenominational Festival Service
01.00 pm Wreath-laying ceremony at Saint Patrick?s grave