Here is Sr. Alice's reflection after receiving Maundy Money on Holy Thursday from King Charles at St. Asaph Cathedral in North Wales.

An Unexpected Honour

Imagine my surprise in receiving a letter from Buckingham Palace, informing me that I was one of 154 recipients (77men and 77 women) who were to b presented with Maundy Money, by the Monarch, in recognition of service in the community. On reflection, I had no hesitation in accepting in the name of the countless unnamed women and men who faithfully and quietly do what they can for others, often unseen and unrecognized. As the time approached, I began to feel excited at the prospect of a whole new experience and to research a little about the ancient ceremony in which I was about to participate, hence this short account.

The distribution of alms and the washing of the feet on the Thursday of Holy Week are of great antiquity. The Service derives its name from the Latin word 'mandatum', meaning a commandment and refers to words that Jesus said at the Last Supper: "I give you a new commandment - Love one another, as I have loved you". So, in the Maundy Service the distribution of alms takes the form of Maundy Money and the recipients are Christians fror across various denominations, who have rendered service to the Church and the community. For my part, I have the privilege of being involved in many ecumenical activities across the Church in Wales and also accompany people spiritually from all denominations.

We were allowed a companion to join us for the service and Sr. Susan, our Provincial Leader, came with me. Mr. Patrick Drewett from St. Patrick's parish, Newport was also a recipient of this honour; he was accompanied by Mrs. Yvonne Jones.

We arrived in St. Asaph's cathedral in radiant sunshine and were assigned to our reserved seats, fortunate to be in the centre of the nave where the view was excellent. The organisation was superb and the music was out of this world with a Welsh emphasis. The Welsh national Anthem was sung with grea passion and the King's royal harpist, Mared Pugh Evans, moved me to tears, every time she struck her beautiful golden harp! The Service also saw the use of the Processional Cross, used at the coronation of King Charles and now gifted by him to all the Christians of Wales. This Cross also contains a reli of the True Cross, gifted by Pope Francis to King Charles.

The crowning moment came when King Charles assisted by the Yeomen of the Guard (The Beefeaters!) presented me with the Maundy money and said few words quietly to me, looking with great warmth and love right into my eyes. A few words about the Maundy money. Each recipient was presented with 2 purses containing the unique gifts. In the white purse were a set of specially minted coins in total 77 pence to match the King's age. In the red purse was a £5 coin commemorating 100 years since Queen Elizabeth's birth, alongside a 50p coin marking the 50th anniversary of the King's Trust.

But for me, the most touching part of the whole ceremony was to see the King showing such reverence and appreciation to the unsung heroes and heroines of Wales and beyond, among whom, I, as a Sister of St. Joseph of Annecy, have been privileged to be part of for over 60 years.

ALICE BRENNAN

Sister Alice is committed to ecumenism and acts as a bridge between the Roman Catholic and Anglican churches in her role as spiritual director. Alice is currently working with several members of the ecumenical community on establishing an ecumenical prayer and fellowship group for mothers and children. The Community of St. Joseph has been in Newport for ove 100 years and has worked in schools, hospitals, and other settings.