St John Kemble Pilgrimage, August 2011

 

A leading expert in clinical care was the preacher at the annual pilgrimage to the grave of St John Kemble at Welsh Newton in Herefordshire on Sunday, 21 August.

 

University Hospital of Wales professor the Rev Maurice Scanlon addressed Christians from across England and Wales who gathered in the churchyard for the interdenominational service. Some of them had walked the several miles across country from Monmouth to be present.

 

John Kemble was put to death in Hereford on August 22, 1679, at the age of 80 as one of the victims of Titus Oates in the so-called Popish Plot. He had been a Catholic priest for more than 50 years in the strongly recusant Monnow Valley area. He is one of the Forty Martyrs of England and Wales.

 

Kemble's remains are interred by the preaching cross at Welsh Newton. Sarah Siddons, a member of the famous 17-18th century Kemble dynasty of actors, is among those recorded as visiting the grave of her kinsman.

 

This year the pilgrimage coincided with the service of Compline in the Anglican church at Welsh Newton. The vicar, the Rev Simon Mondon, who joined in leading the pilgrimage with the Catholic priest of Monmouth, the Rev Nicholas James, invited all present to stay for Compline.

 

The pilgrimage, which took place in fine, sunny weather, concluded with the service of Benediction at St Mary's RC church in Monmouth, followed by tea in the parish garden.