By the time that this month’s edition of the Parish Magazine “hits the news-stands” the Coronation of King Charles III will be an event which is seen in our rear-view mirror
It is unsurprising that given his long tenure as “Prince of Wales” the processional cross presented by the King when he was Prince of Wales in 2020 to the Church in Wales as a gift to the Church on its centenary in 2020 will lead the Coronation procession down the nave of Westminster Abbey.
In a significant ecumenical gesture, the Cross of Wales will incorporate a relic of the True Cross, a personal gift of Pope Frances to the King to mark the Coronation
The cross, designed and produced by a master silversmith, Michael Lloyd, of the Goldsmiths’ Company bares the words from St David’s last sermon, which are chased on the back of the cross in Welsh: “Byddwch lawen. Cadwch y ffydd. Gwnewch y Pethau Bychain,” which translates as: “Be joyful. Keep the faith. Do the little things.” Words I am sure our former Vicar, despite be a proud Englishman with a Scottish Heritage would wholeheartedly approve of.
The cross will be officially received by the Church in Wales at a service after the Coronation, and in future will be shared between the Anglican and Roman Catholic Churches in Wales.
As we commit ourselves to our continuing journey of the life of the Parish, we should all strive to keep doing the little things.
It is tempting sometimes to view life in the context of big achievements or only to place value on significant events.
It is an inalienable truth however that the little things overtime add up to big things. Little words, little actions, a little bit of love and encouragement shared with those around us are all things that combine over time to achieve something.
Do not underestimate the importance of doing things in little increments.
Richard