The statue of Our Lady of the Taper normally resides in the Catholic National Shrine of Wales in Cardigan but, this September, it will be taken to London for Pope Benedict XVI to bless and light a candle in the hand of the Virgin Mother. This is seen as a great honour for the Catholic Church in Wales and recognition of the National Shrine as an important site of pilgrimage not just for Welsh Catholics but also for those from around the world.
The design of the statue is based upon a medieval image believed to originate in Arras, France which had a thriving trade with the then sea port of Cardigan. Now the shrine is listed as one of the ‘taper’ shrines of Europe.
Bishop Thomas Burns of Menevia Diocese has confirmed the role of Our Lady of the Taper in the Papal visit and stated:
“This is a great honour not just for Welsh Catholics but for everyone in Wales”
The Rector of the National Shrine, Father Jason Jones will lead a group of parishioners from Cardigan to accompany the statue in September.
No comments:
Post a Comment
Please avoid being 'anonymous' if at all possible.