You’re invited to attend a short service at the Augustinian Monastery at Kells.
Have you seen the High Cross of Connor?
Do you know that our diocese takes its name from Connor, County Antrim?
Next Sunday, 12th June 2016, come along to a short service at the Augustinian Monastery at Kells, near Ballymena. Absorb the spirit of our forefathers who laid down the foundations of Christianity in this area.
Around 480 AD, St Mac Nissi, who reputedly baptised by St Patrick, founded a monastery and church at Connor. Later a second monastery, “St Mary of the Desert’ was founded at the location we now call Templemoyle in Kells. Connor grew into a major monastery with a High Cross and round tower. At the Synod of Rathbreasail in 1111, the diocese of Connor was defined, with its cathedral at Connor. The remains of that Cathedral are at St Saviour’s Church of Ireland, Connor.
Arrangements for the short service at the Augustinian Monastery at Kells are as follows:
• Meet up and car share at the Kenbaan car park at 11.00 a.m.
• Alternatively go directly to the Kells site which is in the grounds of Dinsmore’s Textile Solutions, (car park use is gratefully acknowledged) 25 Greenfield Road, Kells, BT42 3JL for 11.20 a.m. We will be joined by a group of “pilgrims” from Clonard Monastery.
• After the short service, participants will break up to attend the 12 noon service (optional but very much recommended) at any one of the three Churches in Kells and Connor. This is an initiative of the late Fr Gerry Reynolds R.I.P., and in this first year after his passing, it will be good to carry on his work.
• After the services, St Saviour’s Church offer refreshments in their church hall. Organisers are very grateful to them also.
Please give your support to this initiative – Connor and Kells are our spiritual home in this area!
If you have any enquiries about the expedition or short service, please contact Declan O’Loan on 07764 220 533 or email declanoloan@gmail.com
You can find out some more information about the Augustinian Monastery at Kells on The Braid’s website here.
