The Revd Canon Victor Stacey has been elected as the next Dean of St Patrick’s Cathedral, Dublin, in succession to The Very Revd Dr Robert MacCarthy, who retired at the end of January.
St Patrick’s Cathedral, Dublin is the National Cathedral of the Church of Ireland and the dean is elected from among the members of the Cathedral Chapter by the members of the Chapter.
The Revd Canon Victor G. Stacey is Rector of Dun Laoghaire (Dublin) and Prebendary of Maynooth (St Patrick’s Cathedral, Dublin).
The Most Revd Alan Harper, the Archbishop of Armagh and Primate of All Ireland said, ‘I welcome the election of the Revd Canon Victor Stacey. St Patrick’s Cathedral plays a significant role in the life of the Church of Ireland. First, as a place where the highest standards of liturgical worship have been maintained over many centuries. No doubt the maintenance of this tradition will be the highest priority of all for the new dean.
Second, it is a place of pilgrimage and a tourist attraction to which in excess of 300,000 people resort every year, uniquely placed to make an important contribution to the presentation of the Christian faith in Ireland, thus enabling people to come closer to God. Third, the Cathedral has afforded a special opportunity to many Deans to make a distinctive contribution to the discussion of significant issues in the life of the Liberties and of Ireland as a whole. Judicious use of such opportunities by the new Dean, should he choose to avail of them, will be welcomed by many in the Church of Ireland. I was privileged to serve for ten years as a chapter member and the cathedral holds a particularly important place in my heart. I pray, therefore, that the new Dean will maintain and build upon the great tradition of St Patrick’s in the years to come.’
The Archbishop of Dublin and Primate of Ireland, The Most Revd Dr Michael Jackson, said, ‘I have pleasure in welcoming Canon Victor Stacey as Dean–elect of St Patrick’s, the National Cathedral of the Church of Ireland and a Christian foundation of antiquity and resonance in the heart of Dublin. In its witnessing to the faith, in the rhythm of its worship and as a place of prayer, St Patrick’s plays a vital role in the life of the country and the Church, bringing clergy from across the whole island to maintain and further its mission. The co–operation of Cathedral Chapter, Cathedral Board and Dean is essential to the next phase of the life of St Patrick’s. I wish Victor well in his role as Dean, and it is my prayer that the Cathedral will flourish under his guidance.’
Today’s election was preceded by a celebration of the Eucharist by the Archbishop of Dublin.
Following the election the Dean–elect, together with the collegiate body, processed to the chancel, where a setting of Te Deum was sung by the cathedral choir.
Details of the new dean’s installation will follow in due course.
Biography
The Revd Canon Victor G. Stacey is a graduate of the National University of Ireland (BA, 1969), Queen’s University, Belfast (MTh) and the Church of Ireland Theological College, Dublin.
He was ordained Deacon in 1972 and Priest in 1973.
He was Curate in Derriaghy (Connor) from 1972 to 1976 and in Knock (Down & Dromore) from 1976 to 1979.
He was Incumbent of St Martin’s Ballymacarrett, Belfast from 1979 to 1986 before moving to become Rector of Dublin Santry with Glasnevin (Dublin & Glendalough) in 1986.
In 1995 the Revd Victor Stacey was appointed as Rector of Dun Laoghaire.
He has been Provincial and Diocesan Registrar from 1995 and Prebendary of Maynooth, St Patrick’s Cathedral from 1997.