Bangor Cathedral Wales

Bangor cathedral

Bangor cathedral goes back centuries and is founded on the original celtic monastic site of St Deiniol from the 5th century. It is one of the oldest Christian sites in Wales. The word Bangor is ancient Welsh and probably meant a fenced enclosure probably monastic. It went on to give the settlement its name.  Tradition indicates that St David attended a synod here.

I settle to pray.

Sitting praying in the nave, I initially sense more than see, a huge angel floor to ceiling high, where the rood screen is. It reminds me of the angel in Brecon cathedral in exactly the same position.

This angel is robed in bright sapphire blue flowing robes and is carrying something red. Ah I can see it is a welsh hand held harp. I question whether I am seeing correctly as I thought all harps were in natural wood. However, a few days later I saw a red one in a shop.

The Lord. begins to speak.  ‘This is the land of song Kathy. My anointing for worship rests both on the voices and on the minstrels. It is the calling which was on my son David, to raise psalms of praise and adoration through music. The angel protects this anointing and is commissioned to release worship and high praise in this place.

The heart of worship is still released in this cathedral and has been down the centuries.

As I pray,  I am aware of the deep peace which is found in these ancient places where worship has continued for hundreds of years. The very stones feel permeated with the prayers of the faithful.

This angel seems very soft and gentle. It reminds me of the soft beauty of the welsh language. It has a feminine quality combined with strength.

I then see a deep well of faith dug by prayer here in the past. It is full of sparkingly clear spring water: an ancient spiritual well. I’m aware I am outside of time and the original site and faithful monk. The air is clear, the sky bright, peace surrounds him and he is restful to be around. He seems very content and joyful. I see he is also singing praises softly as he goes about his tasks. People come to him to be blessed and he listens to their cares with great kindness. He is loved and has a fatherly anointing to make people feel safe.

I am surprised by the spiritual thin place of Bangor cathedral and reassured that despite seasons of barrenness there is still an open heaven and ‘thin place of God’s presence’. I am so glad we visited. It felt highly significant.