Diocesan News
Songs of Praise in Sligo to celebrate 40 years of ministry
This St James’ Day, 25th July, the roof of the Cathedral Church of St Mary the Virgin and John the Baptist, in Sligo, was raised in songs of praise to mark the 40th anniversary of the Ordination of Dean Arfon Williams.
It was a wonderful service of celebration, testimony and exuberant song to celebrate a God who, through his Holy Spirit, is doing a great work in our lives.
The hymns and readings were all chosen to reflect something about Dean Arfon’s journey of faith. From the opening Hymn of Praise – Praise to the holiest in the Height –by Cardinal John Henry Newman to the closing hymn – Guide me, O Thou great Jehovah – by William Williams we heard the story of a God who reaches into the brokenness of the world and the foundation shaking moments of life with his undeserved and inescapable love.
Dean Nigel Crossey, who is also celebrating the 40th year since ordination, read from Isaiah 53:1–12 and 2 Corinthians 5:11–21 was read in Welsh by Canon Edward Yendall and in English by Canon Arthur Barrett. Preaching from these passages, the Right Revd Dr Ferran Glenfield, Bishop of Kilmore, Elphin and Ardagh, reminded us of the wonderful words of Isaiah 53 v5:
But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed.
He said that in his writings Isaiah paints a comprehensive picture of the sin and wrongdoing at the heart of the human condition. Our transgression – the breaking of boundaries established by God, our iniquity – the flaws within the human spirit which make us wayward, enmity – people at war with God, each other and conflicted within themselves and disease.
However, in Isaiah 53 we read about a wounded healer, a servant of the living God, bringing atonement, redemption and the reversal of the human plight. By his wounds we have been healed. Ultimately this prophesy finds its fulfilment in the cross of Christ, in Jesus’ self–giving sacrifice to redeem humanity. In Christ, God was reconciling the world to himself and entrusting us with a message of reconciliation.
Following the service prayers were led by the Revd Albert Dawson, the Revd Adam Norris and the Revd John Addy and closing prayers and blessings were said by Bishop Ken Clarke, Bishop Ferran Glenfield and the Roman Catholic Bishop of Elphin, the Most Revd Dr Bishop Kevin Doran.
It was a truly uplifting occasion and we wish Dean Arfon and his wife, Trudi well in retirement. The service was begun with the collect for St James’ Day and in praying these words we honour Dean Arfon and his ministry in our Diocese:
Merciful God,
whose holy apostle Saint James,
leaving his father and all that he had,
was obedient to the calling of your Son Jesus Christ
and followed him even to death:
help us, forsaking the false attractions of the world,
to be ready at all times to answer your call without delay;
through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord,
who is alive and reigns with you,
in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, now and for ever.
Diocesan Communications Officer, Kilmore, Elphin & Ardagh
Mrs Jenny Horner
042 967 5822
dco@kilmore.anglican.org