First Pilgrims visit St Madoc of Ferns’
First Pilgrims visit St Madoc of Ferns’
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St Madoc of Ferns received its first pilgrims on Thursday this week.
Led by Iain Tweedale from journeying.co.uk, four pilgrims from England visited the church founded by St Madoc who was also known as St Aidan in 583 when there were strong links between Ireland and Wales.
Cheryl Tettmar, Karen Crussell, Joanne Reed, and Jane Moffett, carrying backpacks and led by Iain were on the fourth day of their pilgrimage to St Davids along the Pembrokeshire National Coast Path.
Having taken a diversion up the scenic Woodland Path from Broad Haven, they arrived at the church, nestling in a hollow for protection from the seafaring Viking raiders of the 6th and 7th centuries. The Pilgrims rested and were served refreshments before completing their days walk to Solva.
‘It’s a really beautiful church,’ said Joanne Reed from Walcote, Leicestershire. ‘So peaceful.’
The church, rebuilt in 1883, has four beautiful stained glass windows, including one featuring St Madoc, and seats about thirty parishioners.
However, it is due to close after the final service on Sunday 31st July.
A small local group are setting up the St Madoc of Ferns Community Trust to keep the church open as a community asset and hope to attract pilgrims from far and wide on their way to St Davids.
The Trust is also in discussion with the British Pilgrimage Trust about establishing a Sanctuary facility where pilgrims can stay overnight on their way to their destination at St Davids Cathedral.