Archbishops to lead ecumenical walk for Easter

Catholic priests and representatives from every parish in Dublin’s archdiocese will gather with Archbishop Diarmuid Martin for the annual Holy Thursday chrism Mass in the Pro- Cathedral at 10am tomorrow.

Holy oils will be blessed for the coming year and priests will renew their commitment to service.

The annual washing of feet ceremony takes place during the Mass of the Lord's Supper there at 6pm tomorrow. Similar events will take place in Catholic cathedrals throughout Ireland.

Maundy Thursday eucharist services will take place throughout Church of Ireland dioceses with Christ Church Cathedral's in Dublin beginning at 6pm.

At 7.30pm on Good Friday, Dublin's two archbishops will lead an ecumenical walk of witness through the city streets for the fourth year in succession. Archbishop Martin and Church of Ireland Archbishop of Dublin and Glendalough Michael Jackson will carry a cross from Christ Church Cathedral to the Pro-Cathedral. It had been intended that they would bless a "homeless Jesus" sculpture, to be located in the grounds of Church Church Cathedral, before the city-centre walk.

The bronze sculpture by Canadian Tim Schmalz was due to be unveiled on Good Friday evening. However, it has yet to arrive in Dublin.

At noon on Good Friday, Archbishop Martin will lead the annual way of the cross procession in the Phoenix Park from the Wellington monument to the papal cross.

At the Unitarian Church on St Stephen's Green the 15th annual reading of the names of those dead arising from the Northern Ireland conflict will take place, from noon to about 3 pm. All are welcome.