On Saturday 12th August, many of us will walk from Llanwonno Church to the Shrine of Our Lady of Penrhys. It’s all part of our Assumptiontide weekend celebrations.
When we arrive at Penrhys, we will meet with others to celebrate Mass on the mountain beneath the beautiful image of Mary “nursing Jesus for a kiss.”
With a rich history of pilgrimage, the medieval Shrine of Our Lady of Penrhys continues to pull in pilgrims.
Some years ago, to enrich and resource the pilgrimage experience, we published a booklet which intertwined the features of the Rhondda Valleys and the Shrine at Penrhys with each of the Mysteries of the rosary.
These were revised recently and included in a new Penrhys Pilgrimage book of prayers and reflections called A Song from the Hill Country’.
As we prepare for this year’s pilgrimage, we’re sharing the reflection of the fourth Glorious Mystery, the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, which takes us from the terraced houses to our eternal home.
The Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary
The familiar terraces are still a feature of the valley. The houses once built to home miners who came in droves, trail the mountain-sides like a charcoal mark on paper.
Above them all stands the image of Mary, standing tall. Beyond her, higher still, the remnants of a Council estate, whose past has been talked about, and whose future is bright.
Mary, so the story goes, died at Ephesus in the home of St John. Perhaps in older age, her death is expected. It comes, of course, to all. But still, in death, she stands tall, an unmovable fixture, waiting for her shrine. And so, the flesh that once gave home to God is now housed by God himself.
At Penrhys, the church that was built to enshrine the image of Mary and Jesus has long gone. All that remains are the foundations and a stubborn block of stones built into a car park wall. A reminder, perhaps, of the short-lived nature of our earthly home. The home that is promised to Mary and us is eternal. She is the first to follow. And so, in her, we see the way that all should go.
Copies of ‘A Song from the Hill Country’ will be available to buy at the Penrhys Pilgrimage which takes place on Saturday August 12th.
The walking pilgrimage sets off at 9am from Llanwonno Church, and Mass is celebrated at Penrhys at 12 noon, followed by a picnic lunch. Why not join us?
Google Maps Links
Llanwonno Church Google Maps link
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