Diocesan News
New Canon of Christ Church Cathedral Installed
‘A conscientious rector and dedicated pastor’ is how the new Twelfth Canon of Christ Church Cathedral, the Revd Roy Byrne, was described at his installation during Choral Evensong on Sunday September 9. He was joined at the service by family, friends members of his parish Drumcondra, North Strand and St Barnabas, where he has been rector since 2008 and a large number of well wishers. His appointment to the position was announced in July following the retirement of Canon Ben Neill, former rector of Dalkey.
In her sermon, the Revd Sandra Pragnell, Dean–elect of St Mary’s Cathedral in Limerick, said that in preparing her sermon, she had consulted on–line encyclopedia, Wikipedia, for a definition of the word ‘canon’ and the role of a canon in a cathedral. Firstly, she found the quote: ‘If a vicar is noticed by the bishop as a very competent parish priest and worthy of recognition of the fact, the Bishop of the diocese can appoint him or her as a Canon.’ And secondly ‘Canons are definitely amongst the big guns of the Church.’
‘So here we have it – it is indeed a great honour that is being bestowed on the very competent Rector of Drumcondra and North Strand – and all of us who know Roy, who have seen what a conscientious rector and dedicated pastor he is, will know just how well deserved this is,’ she stated. ‘And we rejoice in this for Roy, for his family and friends, for Roy’s parishioners, and for the chapter to whom he will have so much to contribute in its role of administration, behind the scenes, but so essential in underpinning every part of God’s mission in this place.’
Ms Pragnell outlined the work already carried out by Canon Byrne in Christ Church Catheral having contributed to its worship, and its fabric and furnishings, as well as drawing on his vast historical knowledge to the benefit of Christ Church. He served for nearly 13 years on the cathedral’s treasury and then its culture committee. He was also the chief designer of the exhibition in the cathedral which marked the anniversary of the King James Bible. ‘Now, assuming the privilege of a Canon on the Chapter, as one of Wikipedia’s big guns, we can be sure that Roy will respect this new role and take his duties seriously under God,’ she said.
Pictured at the installation, above: Members of the Chapter of Christ Church Cathedral with the Revd Roy Byrne before his installation as Twelfth Canon of the cathedral. Also pictured are the Revd Sandra Pragnell, Dean–elect of St Mary’s Cathedral, Limerick, who preached and Revd Stephen Farrell, Provincial and Diocesan Registrar.
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