Hywyn Church

Hywyn Church Aberdaron

The church is situated right next to the sea and was a staging post for pilgrims heading to Bardsey Island. An early Celtic Christian site it apparently succeeded one just west along the coast at Analog.

The poet R S Thomas was vicar here for many years drawing in both his faith and the natural surroundings to inspire his poetry. He is one of my favourite poets, so it was a delight to find this connection.

The church is very welcoming and open with a lovely presence of God. There is much evidence of honouring its past and heritage, as well as encouraging modern pilgrims.

I found a painting of Jesus with arms outstretched over Bardsey particularly moving and again found tears rising. My heart opened with a flood of poem prayers and oddly I found it easier to engage with God here than on Bardsey itself. Perhaps this is because there has been continual worship here whereas on the island nature seems to be the major focus nowadays.

I loved this place. It is both a ‘thin place’ and a deep place situated right on the edge of the world.