CONWAL Parish Church in Letterkenny will be hosting a special service celebrating the life, work and faith of author Jane Austen, who has close ties with the town.
The service on Sunday morning, October 18, intended to coincide with the Letterkenny Cathedral Quarter Literary Festival, will explore one of the world’s most lauded novelists, whose niece Cassandra Knight is buried in the churchyard.
The service will be framed using excerpts from Austen’s writings – including not only her famous novels but letters and prayers which she also penned.
The rector of Conwal and Gartan, the Revd Adrian Dorrian, will preach at the service which will also include input from parishioners and local secondary school students as well as music from some of the famous film and television adaptations of Austen’s work.
Speaking about the event, the Revd Adrian Dorrian said: “We are extremely excited to offer this service as part of the Cathedral Quarter Literary Festival.
“Jane Austen’s literary works are known the world over, and they have inspired countless more creative pieces through the years.
“Her faith, as the daughter of a rectory, is gently but inescapably woven throughout her novels and letters and we also have three beautiful prayers which she wrote for her family’s use.
“We’re delighted that the service will be broadcast on Highland Radio. We hope people from within and beyond Letterkenny will feel welcome to join us in person or via Highland from 10am.”