Dublin, October 2014. In his capacity of Delegate of Great Britain and Ireland of the Constantinian Order, Mr Anthony Bailey travelled to Ireland to attend the Annual Mass & Dinner of the Delegation in Ireland of the Sacred Military Constantinian Order of St George.
The Mass was celebrated in University Church in Dublin on Friday 3rd October 2014 followed by a Gala Dinner in the Royal College of Physicians of Ireland.
As well as having the privilege of celebrating Mass in University Church, a unique Church founded by Blessed John Henry Cardinal Newman, there was the further privilege of using Blessed John Henry Cardinal Newman’s Chalice during the Mass.
The Mass was celebrated by His Lordship the Most Reverend Dr. Raymond Field, Titular Bishop of Árd Mór and Auxiliary Bishop of Dublin. The Homily by Most Reverend Dr. Field emphasised the need for all Catholics to be Missionaries for Christ and the special role of the Order in supporting His Holiness Pope Francis in all his endeavours and especially in the restoration of catholic values of humility and service and of concern for the under-privileged, the poor, the sick and the homeless. Dr Field asked for prayers for the success of the synod called by Pope Francis to discuss the challenges faced in family and social issues. The full homily can be read by clicking here.
The Celebration of Mass was enhanced by the Organ music of Mr William Woods and the wonderful singing of the Cantor, Ms Roisin O’Reilly.
The Gala Dinner was held in the 300 year old Dun’s Library of the Royal College of Physicians of Ireland.
The Vice Delegate for Ireland, Professor Richard Conroy, welcomed members and guests and spoke of the long and illustratious history of the Constantinian Order and its many Irish connections going back to the 1700’s. He referred to the recent resurgence in membership and activities of the Order in Ireland. The Vice Delegate looked forward for to the Irish members playing an ever increasing role in advancing the aims and objectives of the Order in Ireland.
The Delegate for Great Britain and Ireland, HE Anthony Bailey, congratulated the Irish Vice Delegate and Irish Members on the impressive organisation and excellent attendance at the celebration of Mass and at the Gala Dinner. The Delegate paid tribute to the uplifting and inspiring Homily by Most Reverend Dr Raymond Field. Mr Bailey also updated Irish Members on recent developments within the Order and looked forward to the participation of the Irish Members of the Order in the revival and modernisation of the Order.
The Most Reverend Dr Field in his address to Members of the Order, added further to the Homily he had delivered during the Mass. Dr Field emphasised the importance and relevance of active participation by the Irish Members of the Order in supporting the Catholic religion and in particular the Holy Father in his efforts to renew the mission of the Church. Dr Field also spoke of the noble aims and objectives of the Order in combating poverty and homelessness and in supporting the sick and the needy.
During the dinner toasts were drunk to the President of Ireland and Queen Elizabeth II. The Gala Dinner concluded with Members and guests led by the Vice Delegate for Ireland, Professor Richard Conroy, reciting together the Prayer of the Order.
To view the photographs from this event, please visit our Photo gallery.
For more information about the Sacred Military Constantininan Order of St George, please click here.
