Today we are in the parish again and with Sheila and Philip Morris, our good friends. We are being treated today to a visit to St Illtud's and also to remember that Philip has his book published this very week. It is something of a unique treasure about a unique treasure of a building and monastic surroundings. We are fortunate to have this in the middle of our parish and to be able to worship here, under normal conditions.
Thank you Philip and Sheila. I know we shall enjoy this very much.
Philip has been preparing a new and unique book about the history of this sacred place. It is available now and its publishing date was this week. I enclose details about the book as it will make a lovely gift or treasured possession for any, who love or want to know more about the development of the monastic settlement and the subsequent parish church for Llantwit Major. I understand it can bought locally here in Llantwit Major or through Amazon etc.
Philip says:
"I thought you might like to know that my book Llanilltud - the story of a Celtic Christian Community is published today by Y Lolfa. It is available in all bookshops, including Nickleby's Bookstore in Llantwit Major, and from online booksellers; it can also be ordered directly from the publishers at www.ylolfa.com.
I attach the press release that has been sent out by Y Lolfa. As is stated there, the book provides the first complete history of the monastic community established by St Illtud at Llantwit Major (Llanilltud Fawr) at the end of the 5th century, through to its dissolution at the Reformation a thousand years later. The story is brought up to date with the restoration of the Galilee Chapel in St Illtud's Church and the housing of the early medieval monuments in the chapel. The book takes the reader back to the earliest times of the area, and places Llanilltud in the development and spread of Christianity in the 'Celtic' lands of the west of Europe. The worship, spirituality and daily life of St Illtud's community is described, and its later royal patronage. The Vikings and the Normans had a great impact, and the part Llanilltud played in the political struggles to establish the diocese of Llandaff is examined. While after the Reformation St Illtud's Church was relegated to a parish church in a sleepy market town, there were those who tried to promote its long history and importance, with the Dean of Llandaff, William Conybeare, in 1849 exhorting people to visit Llantwit Major: "The venerable remains of Llantwit, the earliest college of literacy and Christian instruction in south Wales, deserve attention from still higher motives: it would command the same feeling which Dr Johnson so eloquently expressed on his visit to Iona."
"I conclude the book: "The restored Galilee Chapel, the sensitive display of the early medieval stones, and the interpretative panels ensure that the memory of Llanilltud will be kept alive for future generations. The vision of Llanilltud becoming another Iona or Lindisfarne may be ambitious, but it is as significant in the history of Christianity in Wales as they are in the history of Scotland or the north of England."
The Most Revd Dr Barry Morgan, Archbishop of Wales between 2003 and 2017 says of the book:
“It is difficult to imagine that Llanilltud Fawr was in the late fifth and early sixth centuries probably host to one of Britain’s earliest centres of learning. It is also difficult to believe that a scholarly and critical in-depth study of such an important site has not been attempted before. This book has now plugged that gap splendidly.”
Llanilltud is a scholarly, analytical but also engaging and highly readable study whose primary focus is the development of the early monastic community in the context of the Celtic Christian tradition. It also looks at developments on the site over the next 1,000 years until the Reformation, as well as at how the Celtic tradition and memory of Llanilltud have been kept alive since then. The book covers the history of this community from Neolithic and Iron Age times, the Christian community before and during Illtud’s period, an account of the effects of Viking attacks, the arrival of the Normans, the Reformation and Puritanism under Oliver Cromwell, and brings the story right up to the present day.
The Revd Canon Edwin Counsell, current Rector of Llantwit Major says of Phillip Morris’ research and work: Date 20/07/2020 Contact at Y Lolfa gwenllian@ylolfa.com
“Philip Morris takes us on a pilgrimage through the ages and generations of Llanilltud, using sound scholarship, careful research and a deep understanding of Celtic tradition. Crucially, by applying this pragmatically to popular traditions of Illtud’s legacy, he reveals a deeper and more authentic inheritance, which informs the pilgrim journey of today.”
So today we have a scholarly article, but something which is dear to all our hearts. Thank you Philip and hope all goes well with the sales of this unique treasure.
Prayer of St Illtud
The most blessed Illtud kneeling prayed to the Lord of heaven, saying,
'I beg of thee, Creator supreme, and Giver of all gifts, who confirmest thy gifts with increase, that on this shore may be the boundary of the sea, and that it return not to that place, where I have chosen the fixed seat of my dwelling. Let not hurt, let it not disturb, here may it rest, here may there continue a landing-place for ships.'
Comments