Celebrating Grantham’s Saint

In 2020 we mark the 1300th anniversary of the death of Grantham Parish Church’s Patron, St Wulfram. 

Not many churches can date the year of their patron’s death, but the 20th March marks the date of Wulfram’s death and the 15th October, the date we celebrate St Wulfram’s Day here in Grantham is the anniversary of the translation of his relics.

Rector, Fr Stuart said:‘It would be a huge failing of us as a community if we were to ignore this important milestone in our long history, and so we have a number of events and celebrations lined up to mark this incredibly important year.’

The most important event in the list of things to happen next year is something which is both unique, very special and hugely historical.

On the 20th March 2020 (the anniversary of the death of Wulfram) + Dom Jean-Charles Nault, Abbott of Wandrille, France will be bring to Grantham the relic of Wulfram. The relic will then be kept a St Wulfram’s for a number of months during our celebration year before being returned to Wandrille.

This is truly a rare and very special privilege, not only of the recognition of the Roman Catholic Community in France to an Anglican Church, but also a significant sign of friendship and trust in us as a community of faith. A faith which goes beyond geographical and political bounds.

This is only the second time in modern history that this remarkable ecumenical act of faith, love and trust has ever been done and so indeed Grantham and St Wulfram’s are truly blessed.

On the 20^th March plans are beginning to come together to mark this occasion in a wonderful memorial way, a formal greeting by the Mayor and Charter Trustees at the Guildhall with a huge colourful and impressive procession through the town to the formal reception of the relic of Wulfram at St Wulfram’s Church.

The torch light procession we hope will include the people of Grantham, local, regional, national and international dignitaries, representatives of all the Benedictine Houses in England, huge images of Wulfram, Ragbod (the king of Fresiha) children in costumes, music and other senior church representatives.

Amongst the other activities which are being planned include…

• Visiting preachers from the Deans of the eastern cathedrals which formed part of the medieval eastern pilgrimage route, which St Wulfram’s was part of.

• A community wide Stations of the Cross project working with local and internationally known artists. One internationally known artist who has been approached to take part is the Islamic Street Artist Mohammed Ali.

• Grantham Vintage Festival – a new community celebration based at Grantham House, celebrating the spirit of Britain from the 1920’s to the 1960’s
• Community Music Festival led by Lincolnshire Music Service, celebrating local and county wide talent

• Gravity fields

• An environmental conference

• A Festival of Angels – led by local artist engaging with the community to create a heavenly host of angels inside and outside St Wulfram’s.

• And throughout the year will also be chances for people to engage with the Christian Faith through various course and events.

Plus many many more activities and celebrations.

Fr Stuart said, ‘I very much hope that this year is truly a year in which we as a community celebrate our patron and our love of God so that we may continue to grow in our faith and understanding of the God who inspired Wulfram to leave the comfort of his life as an Archbishop to show others the life and love of God.’