Priests mark Celtic saints’ legacy with Anglesey pilgrimage

Two priests will take part in a pilgrimage in Anglesey, honouring the ancient friendship of two 6th-century Celtic saints. The event, which takes place on 11 September, celebrates the rich heritage of Celtic Christianity and the enduring appeal of pilgrimage traditions in modern Wales.

The pilgrimage is being led by Huw Butler of Beaumaris, Ministry Area Leader of Bro Seiriol, and Kathryn Evans of Holyhead, Ministry Area Leader of Bro Cybi, whose own journeys echo the story of the saints. Huw and Kathryn are good friends and both moved from the Diocese of St Asaph to the Diocese of Bangor to take up new posts and were licensed as priests on consecutive days.

Starting at St Seiriol's Well in Penmon, Huw and Kathryn will walk to Clorach Wells, where tradition tells us Seiriol and Cybi met for fellowship and conversation. 

They will then continue to St Mary’s Church, Llannerch-y-Medd. Everyone is welcome to join them at St Mary’s for light refreshments at 4pm, followed by a Pilgrimage Holy Eucharist at 5pm, during which water from St Seiriol's Well will be used to bless the congregation.

The pilgrimage recalls Saint Seiriol and Saint Cybi, who, according to Welsh tradition, lived as hermits on opposite sides of Anglesey and regularly met at Clorach Wells to share fellowship. Saint Seiriol, known as “Wyn” (the Fair), founded a monastic community at Penmon on the island’s southeast coast, while Saint Cybi “Felyn” (the Tanned) established his community at Caer Gybi (Holyhead) in the west. Legend tells how the two saints would walk toward each other to meet in the centre of the island – with Cybi facing the rising sun and Seiriol with the sun at his back, giving rise to their contrasting nicknames. Renewed interest in pilgrimages reflects a wider resurgence of the ancient spiritual practice across Wales and the UK. 

The popularity of BBC One’s Pilgrimage, broadcast each Easter, has brought the tradition into mainstream consciousness. The programme, which follows celebrities from different faiths on long-distance walks, highlights personal reflection and spiritual discovery. Its success has inspired communities to rediscover local pilgrimage routes and explore connections to their heritage and surroundings.