Archbishop of Rwanda is Featured Speaker at Down Cathedral
Global South Leader to Speak About Reconciliation
Archbishop Laurent Mbanda, Primate of the Church of Rwanda, will be the special guest for this year’s St Patrick’s Day service at Down Cathedral.
He was invited to speak on the theme of reconciliation by the Rt Revd David McClay, Bishop of Down & Dromore.
Bishop McClay commented, “I have asked Archbishop Laurent to help us to look together at how we can deal with some of the pain that continues to be part of life and living for many of us because of what we call ‘The Troubles’. All of us have a responsibility to continue to support, understand and pray for those who have been impacted by loss and trauma and I hope that this special day of worship and prayer will be a source of healing for many.”
The Rwandan primate was a child refugee from the 1959 ethnic massacres. He wrote about it in his book, From Barefoot to Bishop: A Rwandan Refugee’s Journey.
A full day is scheduled for Mbanda’s visit. There will be a 09:30 service of Holy Communion at Saul followed by pilgrimage from Saul to Downpatrick at 10:15. The Festival Service in Down Cathedral is scheduled to begin at 11:45. It will be followed by a wreath laying ceremony at St Patrick’s grave at 13:00. A Picnic in the Pews will follow at 13:15.
Complete information can be found at the Down & Dromore website.
