Durham Cathedral is gearing up for a special weekend to celebrate one of the great Northern Saints, St Cuthbert.
A St Cuthbert’s weekend will get underway on the evening of Friday 15 March, before concluding on St Cuthbert’s Day itself, Saturday 16 March.
On the Friday evening, a Festal Evensong and Procession sung by Durham Cathedral Choir will begin at 6pm. The preacher for the Evensong will be the Very Revd Dr Philip Plyming, Dean of Durham.
On the Saturday, there will be a pilgrimage from Chester-le-Street to Durham Cathedral. See the schedule and transport information below.
The day will also include a Celebration of Eucharist in honour of St Cuthbert, as well as other related activities – all detailed below.
After his death in 687, St Cuthbert was buried on the Holy Island of Lindisfarne, before being buried in the cathedral in the 9th Century. Today, you can see the Shrine of St Cuthbert behind the Quire in the cathedral and can be accessed via stairs in the Chapel of the Nine Altars.
Pilgrimage to Durham Cathedral – Saturday 16 March
This year we are delighted to be beginning at Chester le Street.
10.00 Pilgrim Prayers at St Mary and St Cuthbert Church, Chester le Street
10.30 Pilgrims depart Chester le Street to walk to Finchale Priory
12.30 Pilgrims arrive at Finchale Priory
13.15 Pilgrims depart Finchale Priory to walk to Durham
15.30 Pilgrims gather at Durham Market Place to process together to the Cathedral
16.00 Pilgrim Eucharist at Durham Cathedral
Pilgrims can travel from Durham to Chester le Street by train to access the start of the pilgrimage; others will wish to join at Finchale Priory to walk the last leg of the journey.
Bus transport to Finchale is available, and the bus will depart from County Hall at 12.30pm (the cost of this is £6 and cars can be parked at County Hall all day for free). To book a place on the pilgrim bus follow this eventbrite link.
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/finchale-camino-annual-pilgrimage-2024-tickets-803085509377
Celebration of Eucharist in honour of St Cuthbert, 4pm - 5.30pm – Saturday 16 March
This service is sung by Durham Cathedral Choir and Newcastle Cathedral Choir, with a sermon preached by The Very Reverend Lee Batson, Dean of Newcastle. Incense is used at this service
President: The Dean
Preacher: The Very Reverend Lee Batson
Messe Widor
Behold, the tabernacle of God Harris
See St Cuthbert's treasures in the museum, 10am - 4pm
Visit the museum and get up close to St Cuthbert's coffin and the Pectoral Cross
Family activities, 11am - 3pm
• Saint Cuthbert is recognised for his work in protecting wildlife, hear storytelling about St Cuthbert and animals
• Get crafty and make your own animal mask
• Check out the Free Little Library and reading nook area, where you can swap books and sit and read
• Pick up a Family Activity Leaflet from the Visitor Desk and enjoy puzzles, colouring whilst learning about Holy Week and Easter
For more information visit https://www.durhamcathedral.co.uk/events/st-cuthberts-day-pilgrimage