Below is a video of Father Julian describing the wonderful joint St David’s Day celebrations here in North Monmouthshire!
On Sunday 1st March, we held a joint Ministry Area Evensong at St David’s Church, Llanddewi Skirrid to celebrate their patronal festival. The day began with a walking pilgrimage from St David’s Llanddewi Rhydderch to Llanddewi Skirrid. Llanddewi Rhydderch held prayers and refreshments before setting off on their 5 mile walk!
The terrain was considerably muddy in places, with pilgrims even having to cross a stream. There were several moments to pause, reflect and pray together on the journey too. Although there was drizzle at times, this didn’t deter our strong group of walkers who took in the beautiful scenic views of our local mountains our churches are so lucky to be surrounded by.
Evensong began at Llanddewi Skirrid at 4pm and our walkers made it in time! Several were joining our Pop-Up Choir led by Philip Norman. The choir led us in traditional choral music, as well as solo renditions of ‘As Pants the Heart’ and ‘The King of Love’. We were fortune to receive a Patronal Festival Choral Evensong Grant from the Baronness of Windsor Fund, to ensure our voluntary choir and choir master continue to be supported with their great work.
We were joined by people from all over our Ministry Area as well as our MP for Monmouthshire, Catherine Fookes. We were also joined by Archdeacon Ian Rees who preached on the sacrificial ministry that David showed and that, as a Church, we are also called to be that same witness to the faith today.
The service ended with traditional Welsh refreshments (lots of Welsh cakes and Bara brith!). It was wonderful to see so many people visiting the church which was adorned with Welsh flags and lots of daffodils. Dydd Gwyl Dewi Hapus i chi gyd!
