Caring curate given Maundy thanks
AN Accrington curate is one of six men and women across the county to receive Royal Maundy money from the Queen.
Every year, on Maundy Thursday (the day before Good Friday) Her Majesty usually distributes the special Maundy coins to men and women aged 70 and over in an ancient ceremony to mark their Christian service.
They are nominated by their local Church of England Dioceses and can include nominees from other Christian denominations.
Among this year’s deserving nominees is Reverend Hilary Murphy, of Trinity Community Church, Accrington.
Due to the coronavirus lockdown, Her Majesty’s usual practice of handing out the Maundy Money was sadly cancelled this year.
Winners instead received a special parcel, along with a letter that was signed personally by
Her Majesty, and containing items including a white pouch with 94p in newly minted coins (corresponding to the Sovereign’s age), and a red pouch containing a £5 coin commemorating the birth of Wordsworth and a commemorative 50p coin.
The parish citation stated: “Hilary has spent a life serving others.
“She did this first for many years as a nurse, and then took her considerable skill set into priestly ministry in The Church of England.
“After serving her curacy in what is officially the most deprived parish in the UK, Hilary spent a number of years in South Africa.
“Here she served the poorest people who lived in informal settlements and used her two professions in bringing about healing wherever she could.
“Hilary has come back to the UK now and it is no surprise that she again finds herself in a place which has its fair share of hardship and also no surprise that she is active in the community there.”