The annual commemoration of St Milburga, Shropshire's patron saint, was unusually marked in a special event this year with services in three Church of England churches on Sunday 22 February.
The Bishop of Lichfield, the Bishop of Hereford and the Bishop of Shrewsbury all took part with others, in the presence of Anna Turner, His Majesty's Lord Lieutenant of Shropshire. All are pictured, right, at the boundary between the two Dioceses and also between the two local authorities: Telford and Wrekin Council and Shropshire Council.
Beginning at St Mary's, Jackfield, in Hereford Diocese, the afternoon of worship continued with a two and a half mile walk in the Telford and Wrekin Council area, crossed the River Severn and concluded in the Diocese of Lichfield and the Shropshire Council area at the Church of St Mary, Sutton Maddock.
A new collect has been drafted by the Revd Preb Chris Thorpe of St. Andrew’s Church, Shifnal:
Loving God
We give you thanks and praise for our county of Shropshire;
for its unique blend of stunning, peaceful landscapes,
its rich industrial heritage, and for its deep historical roots.
Help us to nurture and value all that is good,
to build up strong bonds of belonging in our towns and villages,
where people care for one another and for our environment.
Bless all who live and work here, and all who come to visit.
Help us to seek the common good in all we do,
that together we may build on the solid rock of your love,
made known to us through your Son, our saviour Jesus Christ.
Amen.
Mrs. Turner said:
'I greatly value the links that Shropshire has with the two Dioceses which share our wonderful county, therefore I am delighted to be welcoming both Shropshire's Diocesan Bishops to celebrate Shropshire Day with a shared service.'
About St Milburga
St. Milburga
Milburga was a daughter of King Merewalh, whose kingdom covered parts of the Midlands including the modern counties of Shropshire and Herefordshire.
Milburga became a nun at the monastery of Much Wenlock, founded by her father and Archbishop Theodore of Canterbury, who eventually installed her as abbess. She was sought in marriage by a neighbouring prince, who was willing to use violence to compel her. She escaped across a river which then miraculously became so swollen that the prince was unable to ford it.
She was noted for her humility, her gift of healing and is said to have had a mysterious power over birds; they would avoid damaging the local crops when she asked them to.
She died on 23 February 727 and so 23 February, her feast day, is now celebrated as Shropshire Day.
ENDS