Patrick Comerford
I am in Saint Mary’s Cathedral, Limerick, this afternoon to take part in a special Service of Thanksgiving marking the 850th anniversary of the cathedral.
In the calendar of the Church of Ireland, today [8 September] is the feast of the Birth of the Blessed Virgin Mary, and so it is the patronal festival of Saint Mary’s Cathedral.
The Dean of Saint Mary’s Cathedral, the Very Revd Niall Sloane, told this week’s Limerick Leader that today’s Thanksgiving Service will be ‘the liturgical highlight of this year’s celebration.’
‘The Cathedral is looking forward to this special event in which we will have an opportunity to give God thanks for 850 years of Christian witness within the City and Diocese of Limerick,’ he said.
He added, ‘I’m delighted that a number of former bishops of Limerick will be joining us for the service along with public and civic representatives.’
Saint Mary’s, which was gifted to the Church by Donal Mor O’Brien the last King of Thomond, has been a site of Christian worship since 1168 and it is one of the oldest buildings in Limerick City.
The Thanksgiving Service this afternoon is part of this year’s festivities, which have focused on celebrating and promoting the Cathedral within Limerick and beyond. The guest preacher is the Right Revd David Chillingworth, former Primus of the Scottish Episcopal Church.
The Roman Catholic Bishop of Limerick, Dr Brendan Leahy, and the Mayor of Limerick, Councillor James Collins, are also taking part in the service, along with representatives from various groups within city. I am here this afternoon as the Canon Precentor of the cathedral.
The Thanksgiving Service begins at 3.30 pm and all are welcome.
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