St Anne’s Cathedral appoints Catholic priest as honorary Canon

A Catholic priest, Fr Edward O’Donnell, has been appointed as an honorary Ecumenical Canon at St Anne’s Cathedral.

It is the first time a member of the Catholic clergy has been appointed to the role.

Fr O’Donnell is the parish priest of St Brigid’s in Belfast.

There was a small peaceful protest held outside the Cathedral on Sunday during a service held to make the move official.

The Diocese of Down and Connor welcomed the move in a statement.

“The Diocese of Down and Connor expresses sincere appreciation to St Anne’s Cathedral Chapter and the Dean for this symbolic gesture of communion which demonstrates an ongoing commitment to work together for peace and reconciliation, building bridges across a divided community,” it read.

“The Diocese of Down and Connor congratulates Fr O’Donnell on his installation which recognises his personal contribution to ecumenical engagement over many years of ministry and the fraternal friendship extended by the clergy and parishioners of St Anne’s Cathedral to Fr O’Donnell, St Brigid’s Parish and the Diocese of Down and Connor.”