March of the Black Friars (Re-enactment)

Step back in time and join us for the Black Friars March! On 8th August 1926 a ceremony took place to mark the 700th Anniversary of the arrival of the Dominican Order in Waterford City. Over 5,000 participants took part in a procession which included the Mayor and Corporation (in state), members of confraternities, church organisations, along with Augustinians, Dominicans, Trappist communities and led by four members of the British Legion. This is an event where history comes alive through a re-enactment which connects with our ancestors, paying tribute to both the religious and secular members of our society. Special mention is made of the Statue of Our Lady of Waterford (currently on display at St Saviour’s Church, Bridge Street and which was carried in the original procession ) when the last Prior, Fr. William Martin, O.P. surrendered the Abbey of St Saviour’s to Henry VIII in 1541. A historical lecture marking the Centenary of the original Black Friars March will conclude the event which endeavours to replicate the spirit of the march as participants represent the original procession members and bring an historic event to life.

Programme:
12:00PM Holy Mass at Cathedral of the Most Holy Trinity
1:30PM Welcome Address - Barronstrand Street
1:45PM Black Friars March procession to St Saviour's Church, Bridge Street via Great George's Street and O'Connell Street,
3:OOPM Historical Talk "Footsteps of Faith: 100 Years On - Celebrating the Centenary of Waterford's 'March of the Black Friars',
3:45PM Refreshments.