06.01.2016
Remembering the Past – Saint Patrick’s Cathedral begins 1916 Commemoration Programme
As Ireland prepares to mark the momentous centenaries that 2016 will bear witness to, Saint Patrick’s Cathedral Dublin is reflecting on what it means to remember and celebrate the past. On Saturday, 23 January the Cathedral’s 2016 programme kicks off with a one–day symposium exploring how Christians should honour the past. The symposium, which is open to all, will see contributions from four distinguished speakers who will stimulate discussion about remembering the past with integrity.
The Revd Prof. Nigel Biggar, Professor of Moral Theology at Oxford (pictured right), will explore the ethics of commemoration, while Prof. Mary Daly, who is President of the Royal Irish Academy (pictured below), will address the differences between the history of the past and the memory of it. Dr Brad Anderson from Mater Dei will offer some insights on what scripture teaches about commemoration, and finally Dr Wolfgang Marx from UCD will consider how music can be used to stimulate debate about the past. The symposium will also include a performance of music from 1916 by students from the DIT Conservatory of Music and Drama.
Dr Eimhin Walsh, Civic Engagement & Outreach Officer at the Cathedral, commented that “as the National Cathedral we feel it is very important that we pause to consider the issues that undergird the commemorations that are happening on our island this year”. He continued, “History is never black and white, and the symposium is designed to help us to reflect, as Christian people, on the difficult questions about how we use the past today”.
The symposium runs from 10.00 am until 4.00 pm on Saturday 23 January and will take place in the Lady Chapel of Saint Patrick’s Cathedral, Dublin. There is a cover charge of €10, which includes lunch (free for students & unwaged). Early booking is advised and places can be reserved online at www.bitly.com/history_memory_23_1 or by emailing community@stpatrickscathedral.ie or telephoning 01 453 9472.
