CAPTION: Celebrating St Boniface, the new Patron Saint of Devon
Bishops lead Crediton pilgrimage to celebrate Devon’s new Patron Saint
An Ecumenical Pilgrimage to Crediton in celebration of St Boniface, the new Patron Saint of Devon, will take place this Sunday 9 June at the Anglican Parish Church of Holy Cross, Church Lane, and the Roman Catholic St Boniface Church, on Park Road.
The day will be presided over by The Right Reverend Mark O’Toole, Catholic Bishop of Plymouth and the Anglican Bishop of Crediton, The Right Reverend Jackie Searle.
The pilgrimage will begin at 3.00pm with Sung Evensong and sermon by Bishop Jackie at Holy Cross Church.
At 3.45pm there will be a procession to the statue of St Boniface in Newcombes Meadow with prayers led by The Rev. Matthew Tregenza and Fr Michael Wheaton.
This will be followed by a procession to the National Shrine of St Boniface and Solemn Benediction at St Boniface Church (4.30pm) led by Mgr. Mark O’Toole followed by refreshments.
The Right Rev Jackie Searle, said: “I am greatly looking forward to the special service at Crediton to celebrate our new patron saint. I hope as many people as possible will come to mark this occasion and be inspired by the courage and compassion of St Boniface.”
The Rev Matthew Tregenza, Rector of Crediton Parish Church, said: “St Boniface, a native of Crediton, was a great missionary in the 8th century and his message continues to inspire us today. All of us at Crediton Parish Church are absolutely delighted that Devon has chosen to honour him in this way and we are very pleased to welcome everyone to Crediton on this special day.”
Devon County Council voted in favour of an amendment to adopt St Boniface as the Patron Saint of Devon last month. St Boniface was born in Crediton and the Boniface Link Association has been campaigning to have him officially made the county’s Patron Saint.
The campaign was backed by the Bishop of Exeter, The Rt Rev Robert Atwell, and the Catholic Bishop of Plymouth, The Rt Rev Mark O’Toole as well as the Crediton Congregational Church, Crediton Methodist Church and the Rector of the Orthodox Parish of the Holy Prophet Elias.
