Diocesan News07 Jun 11

St Columb's Cathedral Derry Takes to Airwaves to Celebrate Refurbishment

As part of a week of celebrations to mark the £3.6 million refurbishment of St Columb's Cathedral in Londonderry there will be a broadcast Service on BBC Radio 4 at 8.10am this Sunday.

St Columb's Cathedral is the oldest and most iconic building within the city walls. Famously associated with the hymn writer Cecil Francis Alexander who wrote There is a Green Hill Far Away it has been witness to many historical events from it's consecration in 1634, including the Siege of Derry.

The preacher on the broadcast Service will be Bishop Ken Good, Bishop of Derry and Raphoe. The celebrant will be the Dean of Derry, Very Dr Rev William Morton.

Speaking in advance of the broadcast Service Bishop Good said "St Columb's Cathedral has been a place of unbroken Christian worship for 400 years. The refurbishment of such a beautiful and historic building will mark a new era in the vibrant contribution St Columb's makes to our city and diocese". Dean William Morton also looked forward to the celebrations by saying "Churches are always a place of welcome. We were delighted to welcome over 1,000 tourist visitors to the Cathedral last Saturday and annually we have 100,000 visitors. It is a privilege to share our celebrations with many more people across the airwaves this weekend".

A special Service of Thanksgiving and Dedication will also take place on Thursday 9th June at 7.30pm in the Cathedral. It will be attended by a wide range of people including Deputy First Minister Martin McGuiness as well as Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Investment Arlene Foster.

St Columb's Cathedral has one of the oldest Peals of Bells in Ireland. In honour of the Service of Thanksgiving and Dedication the bells will ring out across the city for one hour prior to the Service on Thursday 9th June.