The new Bishop of Meath and Kildare, the Most Rev Patricia Storey was consecrated on Saturday at Christ Church Cathedral, Dublin. Four members of the WATCH national committee, including our new chair Hilary Cotton, were delighted to be able to be there and Hilary was interviewed afterwards on RTE.

The service was deeply affirming and uplifting. Apart from a reference at the beginning of the service to the fact that it was a historic moment and that Pat was to become the first bishop, in the British Isles, who is a woman, the service was not about her gender but about her being the right person, called by God, to do this role.

We were welcomed so warmly by everyone we met who were really touched that we had gone to celebrate the day with them and show our support for Pat. We were also very heartened to hear people say it would be our turn soon in the Church of England to celebrate such a day.

We were so lucky to be able to share in such a wonderful day and we look forward to many similar days of our own soon.