Catholic canon welcomes ‘symbolic’ appointment at Belfast cathedral

Staff reporter

The first Catholic ecumenical canon of Belfast’s Church of Ireland cathedral has praised the symbolism of his appointment.

Fr Eddie O’Donnell, who was installed as Ecumenical Canon of St Anne’s Cathedral during Evensong on September 25, told The Irish Catholic that his duties will include occasionally preaching in the cathedral and attending chapter meetings, but said “what I do is less important than the symbolism of what has happened”.

Progress

Describing his appointment as “a first for Belfast”, he acknowledged how about 80 people had protested outside the cathedral against his appointment, but said the appointment nonetheless represented real progress. 

He said he was looking forward to “the fun side” of the role, which would see him taking part in the cathedral’s annual ‘Black Santa’ campaign.

“This year I’ll take my turn as ‘Black Santa’ sitting outside the cathedral collecting for various charities in Belfast,” he said of the charity vigil that has run since 1976.

“It raises thousands,” he continued, adding, “it’s a great Christmas charity here in Belfast, but it’s a bit grim for the members of the cathedral chapter who have to sit outside in all weathers. I’m told, though, there is great contact with people who come and talk to you. 

“There is a great deal more to it than just collecting money,” he said, describing it as a “public witness”.