20.01.2014
Two New Canons Installed in St Patrick’s Cathedral, Dublin
Two new Canons were installed in St Patrick’s Cathedral, Dublin, during Choral Evensong yesterday (January 19). The Very Revd William Morton, Dean of Derry, was installed to the Prebendal stall of Howth, to represent Derry and Raphoe. Representing Cashel and Ossory, the Revd Canon Patrick Harvey, Rector of Abbeyleix, was installed to the Prebendal stall of Stagonil.
The preacher was the Ven Robin Bantry White, who was delivering his last sermon in the cathedral before relinquishing the Prebendary of Castleknock. The Archdeacon of Cork, Cloyne and Ross is retiring in March.
Drawing on the first lesson (Ezekiel 2:1 – 3:4) the Archdeacon said that the task of the preacher was to internalise the message of the Bible (or ‘eat the scroll’ as Ezekiel put it) and make it relevant to the day.
He said there was something special about St Patrick’s Cathedral and coming twice a year to do residence and preach on Sundays was a privilege. He said the experience was undergirded by the wonderful music.
He paid tribute to the new Canons describing Canon Patrick Harvey as “the most principled of people” with great experience in his diocese. He said the Dean of Derry came with the experience of St Columb’s Cathedral, Derry, and had played a role in reconciliation and culture in the city. “Both our new Canons bring their gifts to this pulpit and this [cathedral] Chapter. May the cathedral enrich their ministry as they will enrich St Patrick’s Cathedral,” he concluded.
Following the service members of the Chapter proceeded to the Chapter House where the newly installed Canons were given a Voice in the Chapter.
Photo caption: Pictured following the Installation of the new Canons at St Patrick’s Cathedral, Dublin, were the Ven Robin Bantry White (preacher), the Very Revd William Morton, the Revd Canon Patrick Harvey and the Dean of St Patrick’s Cathedral, the Very Revd Victor Stacey.