25.06.2015
Ancient Holy Well Rededicated at Drumcondra During Visit By Cathedral Choir
Within the grounds of the church of St John the Baptist, Drumcondra, is an ancient holy well which for generations has been a part of the historic and ecclesiastical heritage of the area. A number of years ago the well was considered dangerous and was covered over. It has now been fully restored and decorative railings erected around it to define the well site and to ensure safety for those who visit. Traditionally the well has been resorted to by those seeking cures for eye complaints. The well was restored by a number of parishioners and friends.
The well was rededicated at a service of Choral Evensong sung by the choir of Christ Church Cathedral as part of their Diocesan Music Outreach Project. This is a project which seeks to build strong and positive relationships with the parish churches of the dioceses.
The sermon was preached by the Residential Priest Vicar of Christ Church Cathedral, the Revd Garth Bunting, who expressed delight in being invited to preach at such an unusual occasion in the life of the Church of Ireland. He reminded the congregation of the endless possibilities for transformative engagement made possible by the holy well and hoped it would become a place where the whole community could engage and live out the Gospel together.
Reflecting on the occasion after the service Canon Roy Byrne said he was delighted with the well restoration project. He thanked those who had carried out the work and those who had supported the project financially. He noted that the well was an ecumenical place of prayer and devotion, something which could and should be at the spiritual heart of the area. It is his hope that people would simply come and sit beside it in prayer and contemplation, take the waters in whatever way people found spiritually beneficial and use it as an opportunity for engagement with God the creator.
During the service Canon Aisling Shine read a prayer written by the rector Canon Roy Byrne for the occasion:
Almighty God,
to whose glory we celebrate the great spiritual and historic heritage of this holy place.
We give you thanks for all those who in generations past have visited here as pilgrims and strangers
and have encountered the love of your Son.
Help us in our generation to cherish such encounters
and to make this church and holy well a place where strangers become friends
and where your name is ever worshipped and adored;
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.