Tascoffin 1340 NB 1178 Dean
Clonemery 1291 1205 Archdeacon
Killamery 1296

The Revd Barbara Fryday was installed to the Prebendary Stall of Tascoffin
(the first female to be installed a canon in the 800 years history of the Cathedral, and the first female canon in the Diocese of Cashel & Ossory)
The Revd Denis Sandes was installed to the Prebendary Stall of Killamery
The Very Revd T. R. Lester was installed to the Prebendary Stall of Clonemery

“Here in the place of the Bishop’s teaching chair (cathedra) there is a community known as the The Cathedral Chapter consisting of the Dean or Decanus with a corps of 10 canons in conjunction with the Archdeacon. Together this Chapter is to be the embodiment of the Rule of Faith based upon the study and interpretation of Scripture, prayer and worship of Almighty God Father Son and Holy Spirit. Thus to be made a ‘canon’, is not just a title in the gift of the bishop. Rather it is the Spirit perceived recognition of such qualities and gifts that the Bishop as part of his teaching role and pastoral care, affirms in one who incarnates, the Rules. In short it is the declaration with St Paul that our life “is hid with God in Christ.” The call from the Bishop to install i.e. to be given a seat is symbolic of the sharing of the teaching ministry of the Church, one of the prime concerns of our Father in God.

In those who have been brought her today, share in a long tradition dating from the late 13th century shortly after the completion of this Cathedral in 1285, of teaching, pastoralia and worship. Whilst initially resident on the Cathedral site indeed having living quarters within the Cathedral they were sustained by tithes from those areas which give their name to the Prebendal Stall ~ the word Prebend is from the Latin Pracbeo meaning to grant or “to minister to”. Their function within the mother Church of the diocese was to preach teach care and minister to the people, administering the Sacraments and providing a place of Sanctuary or chapel with its derived meaning to cover just as St Martin cut his cappella or cloak to cover the beggar. Although not obvious from the present layout, the Cathedral Canons served at various altars offering continuous intercession for the people of God. Certain Canons had specialised roles thus the Precentor who sang with the choir and whose musical gifts are employed in worship. The Chancellor was the gifted canon lawyer who formed the bridge between ecclesiastical and civil law. The Treasurer was the accountant responsible not just for the Church Plate, both also the collection of the tithes.

Until 1871, many of the appointments to parishes were the right and gift of the Dean & Chapter with the Bishop being prevailed upon to institute for a suitable consideration. So much for the pre-Synodical Church.

As we move into the 21st century with its myriad of challenges, philosophical theological, moral, legal, societal and practical what role can this Chapter have in bringing Good News to those who have ‘ears to hear.’

I believe by remaining faithful and focused upon our Crucified, Risen, Ascended and Glorified Lord, that vision will emerge through prayer as it did for Jeremiah and Isaiah, caught up in the worship of the Most Holy and Majestic God in a special place – the Temple, we, by the same grace, have the call to wait patiently to listen attentively, to interpret fruitfully, to act wisely and to pray earnestly “Thy Will be done” Amen.”

St Canices Cathedral, Kilkenny

Sermon Series to be preached by Bishop Peter at his enthronements

Pictures from the enthronement in St Canice's Cathedral Kilkenny

Pictures from consecration at Christ Church Cathedral Dublin

Details of Consecration and Visitors present

Sermon preached by Bishop of Portsmouth at consecration in Christ Church Cathedral

Parishes & Cathedrals in the United Diocese of Cashel Ossory and Ferns

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