Patronal Festival Report - St Mary's, Ross-on-Wye

St Mary’s, Ross-on-Wye
Patron saint: The Blessed Virgin Mary
Festival date: 7 September

St Mary’s Patronal Festival began with a lively all-age Eucharist at which the new Youth Link Chaplain was dedicated by the new Rector. The church was full, helped by the concurrent h.Art festival that brought many additional visitors through the doors. Coffee and cake followed, setting a cheerful tone for the day.

The evening Choral Evensong was quieter and more reflective, giving the choir space to present a thoughtful musical offering. The programme included Bruckner’s Locus iste, Oxley’s Responses, Brewer in D and Carter’s A maiden most gentle, supported by hymns chosen for the feast. The service concluded with fizz and a celebratory cake.

Although the bells could not be rung owing to structural concerns with a pinnacle near the steeple, the festival was warmly received and well supported. The parish now faces significant fundraising for repairs, but the Patronal celebrations nonetheless proved uplifting and strengthened community life.