A centenary recreation of Waterford’s historic March of the Black Friars is an opportunity to “re-engage” with the city’s Catholic history rather than simply look back nostalgically, a local historian has said.
The procession on August 16 will recall the 1926 march which drew around 5,000 people to mark 700 years since the arrival of the Dominicans in Waterford.
Speaking to The Irish Catholic, historian Dr Cormac Begadon said the new procession should not be viewed simply as a historical re-enactment. “This is an example of a living tradition,” he said. “It’s an example of a revival within the Church here in the diocese and the city.”
He described it as “a re-engagement with our Catholic history and culture” and “a renewal” of a tradition which had never entirely disappeared.
Reflecting on the original march, Dr Begadon said Catholics today could learn from a community which was “not ashamed of its faith” and was willing to express that faith publicly.
Organiser Robert Duggan said the idea emerged from efforts to promote devotion to Our Lady of Waterford and rediscover the city’s Dominican heritage. He hopes the event will bring together people regardless of whether they currently practise their faith.
“I’m just hoping that this is an opportunity for people who are of faith or not of faith to come together,” he said, adding that the experience could strengthen people’s faith or potentially encourage some to return to it.
The day will begin with Mass celebrated by Bishop Alphonsus Cullinan before the procession through Waterford and a historical talk by Dr Begadon.
