Joy in Enniskillen as St. Macartin’s Cathedral holds service

There was some poignancy to the occasion, as it also marked the return of worship inside the cathedral following a period of worship in the adjoining hall due to reroofing and refurbishing works being completed.

Alluding to the Biblical story of Palm Sunday when Jesus triumphantly entered Jerusalem on the back of a donkey, the procession in Enniskillen was led by Tom the donkey, led by his owner, Matthew Hall.

The Dean of Clogher and Rector of St. Macartin’s Cathedral, the Very Rev. Kenneth Hall, was joined by Rev. Chris West, Curate Assistant; Scott Elliott, Parish Reader; Canon Desmond Kingston; Glenn Moore, Director of Music, along with choir members and a large crowd.

Speaking about the events, the clergy of St. Macartin’s Cathedral, Dean Hall and Rev. West, said: “Many parishioners and people from the wider community met outside the Cathedral Hall, where worship services had been held as the cathedral was closed for redecoration, and proceeded back into the cathedral.

“As members of the procession made their way into the cathedral, they waved palm branches, and sang, ‘Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord; Hosanna in the highest!’”

Sang

During the service, the choir and congregation sang the hymns, ‘Hosanna, hosanna’, ‘Ride on, ride on in majesty’, ‘All glory, laud and honour’and ‘Blessed city, heavenly Salem’.

This was the first service in the cathedral following extensive internal repairs and repainting carried out over the past few months, in addition to the building’s reroofing.

Many were eager to see how the historic place of worship had been changed and restored.

The service also marked the first time that a full congregation had been allowed in the cathedral since the Covid-19 pandemic began.

The works comprised major repairs to the roof and exterior of the cathedral, with interior work including the repairing of stonework, internal redecoration, and the rebuild of the organ.

Speaking about Sunday’s service, Dean Hall said: “It felt like being back home again. This is the start of the week of all weeks, and it was important for us that we were back in the cathedral for Holy Week.

“There was a big crowd – bigger than we expected – and there were parishioners, visitors and members of the community present as well.”

He concluded: “The people and clergy of St. Macartin’s Cathedral now look forward to the rest of the Holy Week services, including those on Maundy Thursday and Good Friday, as well as our Easter Day celebrations of the glorious resurrection of Jesus. All are welcome to attend.”