Opening Service to Celebrate St Thomas Cantilupe
PART OF THE ST THOMAS CANTILUPE CELEBRATING 700 YEARS AT HEREFORD CATHEDRAL
In 2020, Hereford Cathedral celebrates 700 years since Thomas Cantilupe was canonised and became St Thomas of Hereford – one of the last Englishmen to be canonised before the Reformation. Celebrations begin in October 2019 and will continue the festivities for a whole year. Throughout the year, the shrine of St Thomas will be available for pilgrims to leave prayers and light candles. The shrine will remain a place of healing and reconciliation as it always has been.
The Service of Faith & Reconciliation will be led by The Right Revd Lord Williams of Oystermouth, 104th Archbishop of Canterbury.
At the heart of the Cantilupe story is a dispute between Canterbury and Hereford, with Cantilupe excommunicated over land rights in the diocese of Hereford. Cantilupe journeyed to Orvieto, where the Papal Court was then residing, to plead his case with Pope Martin IV. He received absolution and his body was returned to Hereford where many miracles were performed (over 450 – second only to ‘the other Thomas’ at Canterbury).
At this service, key participants will be the present Bishop of Hereford and Lord Williams of Oystermouth, with these two figures modelling the accord with which Canterbury and Hereford work today, in contrast to the 1282 dispute. Reconciliation is one of Archbishop Justin Welby’s key themes. Local schools will also be participating in this service.
This event is free but ticketed.
Application forms for tickets will be available to collect from the cathedral office or download from the website.
For details of all the services being held at Hereford Cathedral to celebrate St Thomas Cantilupe download the brochure.
Fees & Tickets
Free Event