Our Lady of the Taper, Cardigan

Saturday 21 June

The AOS West Wales team gathered for a day of prayer and pilgrimage at the National Shrine in Cardigan which dates from the twelfth century. It was under the care of Ransomer Priests, an order with a strong seafaring connection who later became chaplains to the Spanish navy. The church of Our Lady of the Taper was consecrated in 1970 and houses the beautiful statue of Our Lady with a burning candle.

During the pilgrimage, prayers were said for Fr John Dermody, AOS port chaplain in west Wales, who is seriously ill. Fr John’s childhood was spent in the town of Cardigan where he served as an altar boy. A member of his family read at the pilgrims' Mass.

Members of the AOS Wales team during the 2008 pilgrimage. Left to right: AOS chaplain Fr Teyrnon Williams of Swansea, ship visitors Peter Roberts and John Marenghi of Newport, and port chaplain Richard Withers with young pilgrim Kia.