Diocesan News
St Patrick’s Day celebrations resume in Down & Dromore!
The Diocese of Down and Dromore’s St Patrick’s Day celebrations were truly celebratory as they returned to near normality after two years.
We were delighted to welcome a large band of pilgrims to Holy Communion at Saul Church and the prayer pilgrimage to Downpatrick, many of whom attended the Festival Service in Down Cathedral.
The services and pilgrimage have always been both cross–community and international, and this year that tradition resumed with pilgrims arriving from across the world.
It was a special privilege to welcome a group from the Diocese of Jerusalem, some of whom are involved with the Tearfund project in Jordan which we’re supporting through our Lent Appeal. Thank you to Matthew Gault who leads our newest church plant in Tullycarnet for guiding the Prayer Pilgrimage.
The theme for St Patrick’s Day 2022 was ‘Radical Discipleship, Radical Mission: Following in the Footsteps of Patrick’. Capt George Newell preached on ‘Radical Evangelism’ at Saul and in Down Cathedral the preacher was Simon Guillebaud. Simon, who is the founder and International Director of the Great Lakes Outreach, was unapologetic in his challenge to us to live radical and committed lives for Christ. It’s a challenge that he has himself taken up throughout his ministry in Burundi and the UK.
At the end of the service many people stayed on for a complimentary ‘Picnic in the Pews’ which for this year replaced our traditional Irish Stew lunch in the marquee.
For a true flavour of the day please check out our photo galleries:
Saul Church and the Prayer Pilgrimage
Festival Service in Down Cathedral
We also invite you on this virtual pilgrimage walk inspired by Patrick’s journey from slave to fearless missionary.
Filmed amidst the stunning scenery surrounding Downpatrick, pilgrim Glynis Matchett leads us in prayer as we reflect on Patrick’s faith and passion for the Gospel. Glynis’ route takes her from Saul to the Mearne Well, along the banks of the Quoile, and onto the Mound of Down. From there she walks to Patrick’s traditional resting place at Down Cathedral where she is welcomed by Dean Henry Hull.
For further information please contact:
Diocesan Communications Officer, Down & Dromore
07840 006899
Mrs Annette McGrath
dco@downdromorediocese.org