Midwives from across Northern Ireland attended a special Choral Evensong in Belfast Cathedral in celebration of the Midwives Act in Ireland. The 100th anniversary service took place on Friday 8th June, 2018.
Around 150 serving and retired midwives, family, friends and others connected to midwifery attended this very happy service.
A service to mark the Centenary Celebration of the Midwives Act took place recently at Belfast Cathedral.
Organised by the Royal College of Midwives, this service was one of a number of events celebrating this milestone in the history of midwifery and giving thanks for midwives everywhere.
The address was given by the Dean of Belfast, the Very Rev Stephen Forde. Gill Walton, Chief Executive of the Royal College of Midwives, read a Lesson.
There was music from the Choir of Belfast Cathedral. During the service a candle was lit in memory of all Irish midwives who have died. Intercessions were led by serving and former midwives.
Those attending the service enjoyed the opportunity to browse an exhibition of memorabilia of midwifery in Ireland over the years.
Belfast Cathedral parishioner Hazel McCalister, a midwife of 40 years, was one of the organisers of the Midwives 100 service. She said that midwife means ‘with women.’ “I love the privilege of being present for new life. It is such a privileged job,” she said.
Read more news from Belfast Cathedral here.