AS part of the celebrations to mark the 1,400th anniversary of the death of St Colmcille, the internationally-known writer Esther de Waal will be in Kells to give a public lecture. The lecture, hosted by the Kells Community School Historical Society with the Kells Church of Ireland Union of Parishes, will address St Colmcille and his influence within Celtic christianity.
Esther de Waal grew up in the Welsh border country where she now lives. She studied and taught history and has written several books on the Rule of Saint Benedict and on Celtic religion. The lecture takes place on April 11th, at 8 p.m. at Pobalscoil Chiarain Community School, Kells. All are welcome; further details from the Rev William Ritchie, The Rectory, Kells, Co Meath. Tel/fax.046 40151.
Tomorrow at 7.30 p.m: The High School, Zion Road, Rathgar, Dublin 6; yearly meeting lecture of the Religious Society of Friends (Quakers), Speaking to my Condition. Speaker: Thomas R. Webster. The lecture has a two-fold purpose. First, to interpret further to members of the Religious Society of Friends their message and mission, and second, to bring the spirit, aims and fundamental principals of Friends before the public. Admission is free and all are welcome.
April 14th, 8 p.m: Wesley' House, Leeson Park; A Methodist's View of Mary. Speaker: The Revd. Dr John Newton (former Chairman of the Methodist District of Liverpool).
April 15th, 8 p.m: Irish School of Ecumenics, Bea House, Milltown Park; The Ecumenism of the Saints and of the Martyrs: the call to holiness, the shared vocation of all Christians. Speaker: The Rev Dr John Newton.
April 19th, 10.30-4.30 p.m., Wesley House, Leeson Park; The Irish Council of Churches Women's Link presents Forward Together led by Dr Cecelia Clegg of the Moving beyond Sectarianism Project of the Irish School of Ecumenics.
In addition, members of the Moravian Church, of the Non-Subscribing Presbyterian Church and of the Women's World Day of Prayer Committees will introduce their work and teachings. Further details from the Women's Desk, Inter-Church Centre, 48 Elmwood Avenue, Belfast, BT9 6AZ. Tel. Belfast 66 31 45 (Tuesday or Thursday morning).
April 16th, 8 p.m: Glendalough Hotel, Glendalough; Pilgrimage: The Ecumenical Experience. Speaker: the Rev Dr John Newton (former Moderator of the Methodist Conference of Great Britain). All welcome.
Items to be included in next month's Ecumenical Notes should be sent to Dr Andrew Pierce, ISE, Bea House, Milltown Park, Dublin 6.