13.12.2024
Advent Hope in D&G – A Walk Through History at St Patrick’s Cathedral
Join us throughout Advent 2024 as we explore signs of hope of the Spirit at work in Dublin and Glendalough. During this time of watching and waiting, we are celebrating the life of parishes in the United Dioceses of Dublin and Glendalough – urban and rural, large and small. We are sharing stories of people in parishes who are working with dedication to reach out to people who are new to their communities, to those who have moved to the many new housing developments springing up or those who come to the country seeking sanctuary from war. There are stories of people exploring how to share the Good News of the Gospel with people who haven’t heard it, or who have forgotten about it. There is news of people carefully preserving their parish churches and buildings so they can continue to provide facilities to parishioners and the whole community and there are rural ministries which provide a focal point for their communities. You are encouraged to reflect on these good news stories but also invited to share stories from your parishes so that we can continue to communicate the joy of parish life and fellowship with others.
By Dean William Morton
It is often said that to stroll through Saint Patrick’s Cathedral is to walk through the centuries of Irish history. There is a strong oral tradition that in the 5th century Saint Patrick visited the site on which the Cathedral now stands and baptised Christians using water from a nearby well. Archaeological evidence, and an historical reference to a wooden church here in 1121 – Saint Patrick’s in insula – would seem to conclude that there has been a church on this site for around 1000 years. In 1191, the first Anglo–Norman Archbishop of Dublin, John Comyn, raised the status of that early church from a parish church to a collegiate church with a number of clergy, one that is dedicated to learning as well as worship. In 1219, Archbishop Henry of London elevated its status even more to that of a cathedral, and work began to replace the wooden building with the stone cathedral on the site today. Since Disestablishment of the Church of Ireland in 1870, Saint Patrick’s has served as the National Cathedral of the Church of Ireland, with every diocese/diocesan grouping in Ireland being represented on the Chapter under the Dean & Ordinary.
Whether you are from ‘ across the road’, or ‘across the world’, you will appreciate the excellent musical and choral tradition of Saint Patrick’s which can be traced back to 1432 when a college of minor canons was established and a Choir School initiated. In a few years’ time, the Choir School will mark its 600th anniversary; it is the oldest school, and only choir school, of its kind, in Ireland. During term time the choristers, boys and girls, sing the Office of Matins at 09:00, Monday –Friday, a phenomenon unheard of elsewhere in these islands. Eight Lay Vicars Choral join the Choristers to sing Choral Evensong, Monday–Friday at 17:30, which, with a said eucharist and two choral services on Sunday, and eucharists at 11:05 on Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, respectively, make a total of 16 services each week, 12 of them choral. The services are live streamed.
What makes worship special in Saint Patrick’s is that liturgy is delivered to a standard of excellence in music and singing, in a way which ‘speaks’ to the worshipper in terms of the sanctity of the space, giving opportunity to contemplate faith, without intrusion or ‘buttonholing,’ and with a degree of anonymity. Not only will you find a warm welcome here, but you will be received with friendship, openness, tolerance, acceptance, and inclusivity.
Saint Patrick’s, which is ranked in the top five ‘must see’ destinations in Dublin, attracts an annual footfall of upwards of 600,000. The admission charge paid by visitors, who wish to learn of the history of Saint Patrick’s, helps fund maintenance of the fabric of the Cathedral as well as supporting development and community initiatives. Worshippers are, of course, admitted free of charge.
The Cathedral, which plays host to many extra–mural civic and community events, as well as school visits from all four Provinces, is a crossroads for social, political and economic discourse within the moral compass of the Church. Our officers in community development, education, and schools, our marketing officer, and many others engage increasingly with the community through a wide spectrum of concerts and events.
With its doors open 364 days a year, Saint Patrick’s Cathedral is one of the few places in Ireland still operating for the purpose of its original construction over 800 years ago.
You can read Archbishop Michael Jackson’s reflection on the Church of Ireland census figures and his appeal to people to rekindle their connection to their parish here: https://dublin.anglican.org/news/2024/11/22/why-go-to-church-a
If you have a story to tell from your parish please email the diocesan communications officer – dcodublin@gmail.com
