AN Ecumenical Pilgrimage to Crediton in celebration of St Boniface, the new Patron Saint of Devon, took place on Sunday, June 9 at the Anglican Parish Church of the Holy Cross, Church Lane, and the Roman Catholic St Boniface Church, on Park Road.

The day was presided over by The Right Reverend Mark O’Toole, Catholic Bishop of Plymouth and the Anglican Bishop of Crediton, The Right Reverend Jackie Searle.

The pilgrimage began at 3pm with Sung Evensong and sermon by Bishop Jackie at Holy Cross Church.

At 3.45pm there was a procession to the statue of St Boniface in Newcombes Meadow with prayers led by The Rev Matthew Tregenza and Fr Michael Wheaton.

This will be followed by a procession to the National Shrine of St Boniface and Solemn Benediction at St Boniface Church (4.30pm) led by Mgr. Mark O’Toole, followed by refreshments.

The Right Rev Jackie Searle, said: “St Boniface was a great unifier, he is known as a unifier within Europe. He worked very hard at negotiating and at bringing people together and finding common ground.

“I think that is a really great skill, a great skill for us to have in Devon as we find our common ground as people seeking the best for our communities.

“We should be inspired by the courage and compassion of St Boniface.”

The Right Reverend Mark O’Toole, said: “He is a great symbol of the unity of Christian faiths, honoured in the Catholic Church, the Anglican Church and Orthodox Church, so a man who is a great symbol of unity for the Christians and bringing us together in that way.”

The Rev Matthew Tregenza, Rector of Crediton Parish Church, said: "St Boniface, a native of Crediton, was a great missionary in the Eighth century and his message continues to inspire us today. All of us at Crediton Parish Church are absolutely delighted that Devon has chosen to honour him in this way and we were very pleased to welcome everyone to Crediton to mark the occasion.”

Honoured guests at the ceremony included Mr Mark Parkhouse, Deputy Lieutenant of Devon and his wife Phillipa, Captain Simon Martin LVO OBE, High Sheriff of Devon and Mrs Gaye Martin, Cllr John Matthews, Chair of Devon County Council and his consort, Mrs Anne Jenkins, Cllr Frank Letch, the Mayor of Crediton and Mayoress, Mrs Natalia Letch and Cllr Nick Way, County Councillor for Crediton and his partner Jan.

Devon County Council voted in favour of an amendment to adopt St Boniface as the Patron Saint of Devon last month. St Boniface was born in Crediton and the Boniface Link Association and the “Crediton Courier” have been campaigning to have him officially made the county’s Patron Saint.

The campaign was backed by the Bishop of Exeter, The Rt Rev Robert Atwell, and the Catholic Bishop of Plymouth, The Rt Rev Mark O’Toole as well as the Crediton Congregational Church, Crediton Methodist Church and the Rector of the Orthodox Parish of the Holy Prophet Elias.