Nenagh churches pray for unity
A large congregation, drawn from many different Christian traditions in Nenagh and environs, came together in St Mary’s Church of Ireland at 7pm on Friday, February 28, to pray for Christian unity.
The service had first been planned for January 24, but had to be rescheduled because of Storm Éowyn. The liturgy had been prepared by the Community of Bose, an ecumenical monastery of brothers and sisters in northern Italy, on the theme ‘Do you believe this?’
Joc Sanders (Church of Ireland) welcomed the clergy and congregation to the church on behalf of the Rector, Rev Keith Barry, who was indisposed. The service was ably led by Deborah O'Driscoll, pastoral assistant in the Odhrán Pastoral Area (Catholic). Music was provided by the Odhrán Pastoral Choir.
Lynn Kelly (Church of Ireland), Donal Mackey (Catholic) and Clifford Guest (Methodist) read from John 11:17-27 (Jesus consoles Martha at Lazarus’s tomb). Fr Pat Gilbert, PP (Catholic) read from John 20:24-29 (St Thomas meets Jesus in the upper room). Joc Sanders (Church of Ireland) gave a brief reflection, and led the congregation in saying the Beatitudes.
The light of Christ was taken from the Easter Candle to light candles held by the people, as all said the ecumenical Nicene Creed, in this 1,700th anniversary year of the Council of Nicaea. The people then brought the candles up to the chancel and placed them around a large cross, as they joined in the Taizé chant ‘Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom’.
Rose Langley (Church of Ireland) and Siobhán Darby (Catholic) read prayers from ancient authors. Fr Vitalii Svyryd (Ukrainian Orthodox) read from 1 Peter 1:3–9 (New birth into a living hope). Finally, to send the people out into the world, the clergy joined together in pronouncing the Aaronic blessing.
After the service, light refreshments were served. Amid a merry buzz of conversation, it was generally agreed that it had been a lovely, moving service, well worth repeating. Many present said that they looked forward to more opportunities to join together in this way, rotating the venue between different churches.