On Sunday 21st April the Cathedral Church of St John the Baptist and St Patrick’s Rock in Cashel saw a large congregation gather in beautiful sunshine for a special service of evensong, during which the Venerable Alec Purser was installed as Archdeacon of Cashel, Ferns, Waterford and Lismore. Parishioners from Archdeacon Purser’s parishes of Stradbally and Portlaoise as well as clerical colleagues, diocesan readers and lay people from across the diocese were there to support Alec as he was formally licensed and placed in his stall by the Dean of Cashel, the Very Revd James Mulhall with the assistance of Canon Patrick Harvey, who acted as Registrar on this occasion. Mr David Butler was the organist and the first lesson was read by Emma Purser.
In his sermon, the Bishop drew on the example of Moses and Aaron from the appointed Old Testament reading as he spoke about the joy of working as part of a Diocesan team.
Archdeacon Purser’s wife Gillian, daughter Emma and son Sam, the extended family and the large congregation enjoyed the refreshments served in the Cathedral Library after the service.
A selection of pictures can be viewed by Clicking here
Pictures taken by the DCO Shane Reynolds – cfodco2023@gmail.com