Maundy Money honour for Irvine Lavery
Warmest congratulations to Dr Irvine Lavery MBE, who was one of this year’s recipients of the Royal Maundy.
Accompanied by his wife, Sandra, Irvine received his Maundy purses from His Majesty King Charles III at the special service last week at York Minster Cathedral.
Bishop David nominated Irvine for his contribution over many years to the life of the Church of Ireland. He said:
“Irvine has volunteered in a variety of roles over many years, however, much of what he does is done quietly and unseen. As a Diocesan Lay Reader in the Church of Ireland, he single–handedly held a church community together during the years of COVID. He is particularly passionate about caring for young people and for many years has been involved with the Summer Madness all–Ireland youth festival.”
Irvine’s career was spent in the transport sector, as a lecturer in transport planning and as Transport Development Manager with Translink. He was awarded the MBE for “Services to “Transport Planning in Northern Ireland” and was a key person in the campaign for free public transport for Senior Citizens.
Irvine said that he felt greatly honoured and astounded at being a Recipient of Maundy Money. “Gob–smacked would be the most appropriate expression! I was humbled to be amongst so many worthy servants of our Lord.
“Sandra and I both feel that the service itself was one of the highlights of our lives. We will treasure the memory for ever.
“The ceremonial aspect of the service was awesome and almost overwhelming: music, singing, the splendour of the Minster, the processions, the colour. And Beefeaters and the King and Queen in a church service that we were attending!
“Two things in particular stand out: the spirituality and depth of faith in the worship and in the actual service; and the sincerity and graciousness of the King. He had a personal word for each of the recipients and thanked each person for their service to the church and the community.”