More than 550 people gathered in Christ Church Cathedral for an All-Ireland Festival Eucharist.
More than 550 people from across the island of Ireland filled Christ Church Cathedral, Baile Átha Cliath (Dublin), on Sunday 9 August for a Festival Eucharist celebrating the 150th anniversary of Mothers’ Union Worldwide.
Held on Mary Sumner Day, which commemorates the founder of the organisation, the service reflected on the past, present and future of Mothers’ Union. Archbishop Michael Jackson presided at the Eucharist, while the address was given by former Worldwide President Christine, Lady Eames.
A specially assembled choir of Mothers’ Union members from across Ireland was directed by Judith Gannon and accompanied by organist Tom Little.
Introducing the service, All Ireland President Kay Clarke said its theme, “Join Us, Join In”, was more than an invitation to celebrate an anniversary. It was also a call to share in God’s mission by belonging, praying, serving and witnessing to Christ’s love in homes, churches and communities.
She said the theme reflected the vision of Mary Sumner, whose response to God’s call inspired generations of Mothers’ Union members to put their faith into action with compassion, courage and hope.
New chaplain commissioned
During the service, the Revd Alistair Doyle, from the United Dioceses of Dublin and Glendalough, was commissioned as All Ireland Mothers’ Union Chaplain.
A board recording the names of former All Ireland Presidents was also dedicated and will be displayed in Christ Church Cathedral.
The Revd Arthur Barrett, from the United Dioceses of Cashel, Ferns and Ossory, presented a new preaching scarf for the use of the All Ireland Chaplain. The scarf was given in memory of his mother, Mrs Ann Barrett, who served as General President in Ireland from 1989 until 1995.
‘Love one another’
Lady Eames based her address on the words of John 15:12: “This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you.”
She said those words had underpinned the work of Mothers’ Union throughout its 150-year history.
Looking around the cathedral, Lady Eames recalled the generations who had served the organisation since Mary Sumner first brought a small group of women together in her drawing room. Eleven years later, Mothers’ Union came to Ireland through Annabelle Hayes, wife of the Rector of Ráth Eanaigh (Raheny).
Lady Eames said the anniversary offered members an opportunity to remember the past, pause in the present and consider what they would hand on to those who came after them.
She reflected on an organisation whose history had extended through two world wars and enormous changes in the lives and opportunities of women.
“We have worked together, we have prayed together through good times, through bad times,” she said.
Around the corner and around the world
Recalling her time as Worldwide President, Lady Eames described Mothers’ Union as working both “around the corner and around the world”.
She spoke of visiting a camp in Uganda for people displaced by war in Sudan. Among rows of temporary huts, one woman placed wild flowers in two battered mugs on the table where worship was to take place.
Although the woman had lost almost everything, Lady Eames said she had retained her dignity. When asked what Mothers’ Union members could do for her, the woman requested their prayers so that she and the other displaced people would not be forgotten.
Lady Eames said the encounter went to the heart of the anniversary celebration: praying for one another in love and ensuring that people in difficult circumstances were neither overlooked nor forgotten.
Looking towards the future
Turning to the future of Mothers’ Union, Lady Eames acknowledged the scale and speed of social change since the organisation was founded.
She urged members to pray that future leaders would be given the strength and vision needed to discern what the organisation should retain, what it should set aside and how it could continue its mission for generations to come.
The service brought together past and present leaders of Mothers’ Union, clergy, bishops and members from dioceses throughout Ireland.
Marking 150 Years of Mothers’ Union Worldwide are Kay Clarke (All ireland President); Christine, Lady Eames; Archbishop Michael Jackson; the Revd Alistair Doyle; Canon Roy Byrne; Bishop Andrew Forster; and Bishop Ian Ellis.
Photograph: Church of Ireland website, www.churchofireland.org
A recording of the Festival Eucharist is available through the Christ Church Cathedral Facebook page.
Source: Church of Ireland Website, www.churchofireland.org
