An ecumenical meeting in an old thatched cottage in Ferns

Saint Mogue’s Cottage, Ferns, Co Wexford, with Saint Edan’s Cathedral in the background

Patrick Comerford

I have been invited to speak this evening [Wednesday 24 October 2012] at a meeting organised by the Diocese of Ferns Ecumenical Committee in Ferns, Co Wexford.

The committee is a joint committee of the Church of Ireland and Roman Catholic Dioceses of Ferns, chaired by the Rector of Wexford, the Revd Arthur Minion.

I have been asked to speak on the present state of the Church of Ireland, and the meeting takes place in Saint Mogue’s Cottage, beside Saint Edan’s Cathedral.

Saint Mogue’s Cottage is in the cathedral grounds in Ferns and is largely of 18th century origin with a 19th century addition. The cottage may have been first used to house the curates of the cathedral curates, but in it later years it became a sexton’s house.

The cottage was thatched until 1938 when the thatch was replaced by a tiled roof.

After a major restoration project, including re-thatching, Saint Mogue’s Cottage was officially opened by President Mary McAleese in 2004.

This evening’s meeting begins at 8 p.m.