Saint Mary’s Cathedral Limerick to Launch 850th Anniversary Programme

On Tuesday 30th January 2018 the Bishop of Limerick, the Rt Rev’d Dr Kenneth Kearon, will launch its 850th anniversary programme. Saint Mary’s which was gifted to the Church by Donal Mor O’Brien, the last King of Thomond has been a site of Christian worship since 1168 and it is one of the oldest buildings in Limerick City.

The year’s festivities will celebrate and promote the Cathedral’s roles in city life including – community, civic, cultural, educational, ecumenical, musical, sporting and tourism. Highlights of the year include a visit from the Choir of King’s College, Cambridge and a special service of thanksgiving. Each month the Cathedral will highlight a figure associated with Saint Mary’s and there will also be a tangible dimension to the celebrations as each month will focus on a charity or cause based in or around Limerick.

Speaking of the year, the Dean, the Very Rev’d Niall J. Sloane says ‘Saint Mary’s holds a very special place in the city of Limerick and its citizens. It has been a royal palace – no doubt, a place of story-telling, feasting and celebrations. Over the succeeding centuries it has witnessed unique events, welcomed countless people through its doors and marked key moments in the lives of Limerick people. Today, as it continues to be a place of pilgrimage and prayer, it has a unique role to play within all aspects of city and diocesan life. The central theme of our celebrations in 2018 will be opening our doors to all and forging links with Limerick and beyond so that we may echo the Christian message of faith, love and witness. I invite you to join us as we celebrate this historic occasion and give thanks for Saint Mary’s Cathedral’.