St. Aldhelm is important to us for a number of reasons. Firstly, he is the only true English saint. Secondly, he was the first Bishop of Sherborne. And thirdly, he was commended by King Alfred for taking Christianity out of buildings and back to the people. As a Saint, he was a poet, musician, riddle-writer, miracle worker, church builder, and much, much more.
On 20 May at Sherborne Abbey, 10am, Bishop Karen and others will be celebrating the life and memory of St. Aldhelm with an exciting day of music, theatre, crafts and worship!
The day will consist of a Medieval Fayre held on the green outside Sherborne Abbey, groups from local schools and churches will be demonstrating the spirit of St. Aldhelm and reflecting who they are with a host of stalls and short performances of music, mime, or recital.
At 3pm in the Abbey there will be a celebration of St. Aldhelm, a remembrance of him, and a rededication for us to the importance of his ministry. The service will feature a precession of banners from all churches, schools and organisations present.
Both parts of this event are free, so do come and support it!
A note from the organisers: It does cost to put on events like this, and there will be collection buckets about for all who wish to make a generous donation. After expenses, any profit will be divided between Sherborne Abbey and the Diocesan St Aldhelm Fund.
The day after the event, there will be a pilgrimage to St Aldhelm’s Chapel on St Aldhelm’s Head on the south coast. This will be held on the Sunday morning (21 May) and starts in the car park for St Aldhelm’s Head (Post code: BH19 3LN) at 11am. A group will then walk the 1+ miles to the chapel on the headland. Do bring a packed lunch with you, as the group aims to stay in the chapel after the service to share lunch at the kind invitation of Revd James Mercer, a member of clergy in St Aldhelm.