Vicar’s Report (in lieu of letter) for Clyro w. Bettws, Hay, Llanigon w. Capel-y-Ffin
The year 2024 saw some significant change with the retirement of Fr. Richard Williams and Fr. David Wyatt succeeding as Parish Priest Hay, S. Mary’s was packed on Sunday 14th April for a joint service and his last as Parish Priest. A reception followed at the back of Church during which an icon of Our Lady of Capel-y-Ffin and cheque were given to Fr. Richard as an act of appreciation for all that he has done. Following Diocesan works to the Vicarage, I moved into Hay at the beginning of August. In July our Parish grouping expanded to include the Parish of Clyro with Bettws, adding two additional Churches in S. Michael & All Angels, Clyro along with Holy Trinity, Bettws. We now also have a Church in Wales school within our area. We are all distinct communities and Churches which, to my observation, respect and value being in partnership with one another.
Little S. Mary’s at Capel-y-Ffin is in a stunningly beautiful valley which is sparsely populated. Naturally, the regular congregation is quite small, but it is much valued as a pilgrimage destination and a place which has had profound spiritual impact and influence on many. It was really heartening to be joined by several of our faithful from the much more populous parts of our patch when the Sisters of the Society of the Sacred Cross, whose Convent is near Monmouth came to Little S. Mary’s at the end of a pilgrim walk to sing the office of Vespers. Likewise, local support for the annual Fr. Ignatius Memorial Trust Pilgrimage, at the end of August, at which we process to where some of the apparitions of Our Lady of Capel-y-Ffin occurred is heartening.
On Pilgrimage, the continuation of the annual pilgrimage of Our Lady along the river Wye on her feast of the Assumption is to be celebrated. This year we processed the statue through the middle of Hay on market day and made quite an impact on those present and to others via much-watched videos on social media. Plans for the 2025 pilgrimage are coming together at present.
From the start of Michaelmas term in 2024 I developed a regular pattern of visiting the Church school in Clyro, joining the children for lunch, spending time in the staff room and then taking an assembly. The inevitable has happened, and as Parish Priest I have become a governor. It is my hope to develop links and relationships which will benefit both school and Church.
The Christmas Carol service at Llanigon stands out as one at which there was a Church full of all ages. Much thanks must be given to the Churchwarden, Jan, for the sterling preparation that she gave. The MC, announcing the carols, aged under 10 did seem to enjoy himself. I had eight carols to play and felt ready for mulled wine afterward.
This does bring me to an area that I hope we can make some movement on in 2025, which is recruitment of regular organists for the Churches in Clyro and Llanigon. Both instruments are a delight to play, and it is a shame that it is currently Priest dependent as to whether these are used. There is also a good upright piano at Llanigon that could be used. If you know of someone who would be interested, be that for one Sunday or more a month, please do encourage them and pass on their name.
As you can hopefully see, there is much to give thanks for. The support given, according to your circumstances, by each and every one of you in aiding the work of the Church here is truly appreciated. Our Lord warned the twelve to be alert for complacency so let us keep on with the good work!
Please God, let it be that the Blessed Saints, most particularly Our Lady, continue to pray for us!
Fr. David
