Sunday
Dec122021
« A pilgrimage to St. Birinus of Dorchester, the Apostle of Wessex »
12-12-2021 
On Sunday 12th December, with the blessing of His Grace Bishop Matthew of Sourozh, a group from St Nicholas Parish made a pilgrimage visit to Dorchester-on-Thames, in honour of St Birinus of Dorchester, the Apostle of Wessex (+650).The pilgrims gathered at the historic Dorchester Abbey, where Fr Stephen gave a short talk about the life and miracles of St Birinus.
After a prayer at the shrine of the saint, the group walked to the Catholic Church of St Birinus, where a molieben was served before the icon of the saint enshrined there. Finally there was an opportunity to visit the place on the bank of the River Thame, in the grounds of the church, where tradition says St Birinus baptised King Cynegils of the West Saxons, thus bringing him and all the land of Wessex to Christ.
On behalf of the whole group, Fr Stephen expressed sincere thanks to the Rector of the church, Fr John Osman, for his warm welcome, and presented him with an icon of St Seraphim of Sarov as a token of gratitude.