Final preparations are underway for the delivery to St Wulfram’s Church in Grantham of an ancient and sole surviving relic from the church’s French patron to mark the 1300th anniversary of his death in 720AD.
A shrine has been built to house the saintly relic, the skull of St Wulfram, as part of special Wulfram 2020 commemorations, and information boards are on display in advance of its 20 March arrival.
It’s a rare show of ecumenical friendship and trust between the Catholic and Anglican churches and only the second time in some 500 years that such an event has taken place, confirms Father Stuart Cradduck, rector of St Wulfram’s Church, who made the request for the relic to come to Grantham.
Father Cradduck said; “We are extremely privileged to be able to welcome it to our church and the town. It’s an act of Christian love between communities which is quite beautiful, an amazing ecumenical and geopolitical act of generosity.”
St Wulfram was a 7th century missionary born around 650AD near Fontainebleu, south of Paris. He was canonised after numerous miracles, most relating to saving people from the sea, were attributed to him.
His last remaining relic will be transported in a traditional gold ossuary by Dom Jean-Charles Nault, Abbot of Wandrille.
French ambassador Catherine Calonna will be attending the 20 March celebrations, which start with a civic reception in the Guildhall followed by a procession with flaming torches through the streets before a service in St Wulfram’s Church.
Huge 12 foot puppet images of Wulfram and Ragbod, the King of Fresia will be a procession highlight, together with 30 costumed monks, a band, the church choir and local children.
The church will be floodlit in the red, white and blue colours of the French national Tricolour flag and the service promises pomp and ceremony, with music and song reflecting the life of Wulfram and organ music by French composers.
Cllr Annie Mason, South Kesteven District Council Cabinet member for communities, said; “St Wulfram’s Church is at the heart of Grantham and plays a key role in the town. How amazing to witness this commemoration in such an ancient place of pilgrimage and prayer.”
The Lord Lieutenant of Lincolnshire, Toby Dennis, and his deputy Air Chief Marshal Sir Stuart Peach will also be in attendance, together with the county’s High Sheriff, William Day.
Senior French religious leaders will join senior representatives of the Diocese of Lincoln and representatives of all the Benedictene houses in England.
The relic is expected to stay on display in the church until the end of May, confirms Father Stuart Cradduck, who made the request for the saintly remains to come to Grantham.
The procession will leave St Peter’ Hill at 6pm and wend its way onto the High Street, turning along Vine Street and on to Swinegate before arriving at the church.
The 6.30pm service, which will be live streamed and available on DVD, is free to attend, but tickets should be booked. Apply online to the Wulfram 2020 area of the church website www.stwulframs.org.uk/
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