THE VERY REVD GORDON WYNNE IS INSTITUTED AS INCUMBENT OF LEIGHLIN GROUP OF PARISHES

In the hush of the old cathedral the Bishop surrounded by his clergy and the parishioners of the Leighlin group of Parishes gathered round the font, where “all ladders start”, for the conclusion of the service of Institution on Sunday 3rd February. With the church lights dimmed and everyone furnished with a lighted candle, the atmosphere was palpable as the Bishop directed the candles to be extinguished symbolising the end of Christmas (Candlemas), having been lit first back on Advent Sunday and now heading into the darkness of Lent before the paschal light shines again for Easter.

The Very Revd Gordon Wynne will be the first incumbent for the group of parishes for many years, the last full rector have been Dean Tim Peacock 20 years ago.  Due recognition and thanks was given to the Revd Stan Evans for his recent ministry and wished him well in his new projects and pastures.

The procession of clergy to the hymn “God, whose city’s sure foundation” was led by Bishop Burrows and Chaplain, Dean Wynne, the two Archdeacons, all the deans of the United Dioceses, the Acting Registrar the Revd Roy Byrne and a large host of clergy and diocesan readers from the dioceses.  The company also welcomed the Very Revd Tom Lalor from Leighlinbridge, the Very Revd Pierce Murphy from Borris and the Very Revd Declan Foley from Bagenalstown. This “bitter-sweet” evensong celebration of Candlemas looking back to the Holy Child yet looking forward to the Cross was led by the Very Revd Gordon Wynne as he was instituted as Rector of the group parishes while at the same time already dean of the Diocese. There was also affirmation of his existing work in adult learning and education for ministry.  The readings were by Mr George Kidd and Ms Noeleen Daly and preacher was the Very Revd Norman L. Lynas Dean of Ossory.

LEIGHLIN FELLOWSHIP FOLLOWING THE INSTITUTION