Candles on St Catherine’s Hill, Abbotsbury

Took place  Sunday 24th November 2024 and  this year’s event had an  even

greater significance being the 1000th year since Christianity was officially

bestowed in the village by King Cnut via his representative Orc and his wife

Tola and rounds off a year of events.

St Catherine was famously martyred for not relinquishing her faith and the

Chapel bearing her name is the focus of this commemorative event. On the

slope below the iconic Chapel, a wheel of light will be constructed from

decorated candle bags with led battery lights inside. Each bag lovingly

created by children from local schools and by members of the public.

Through the generosity of sponsors, bags are supplied free of charge

to the schools, together with educational materials that both informs and

educates about St Catherine of Alexandria and the history of the chapel so

important for our youngsters to have awareness of their surroundings.

Unfortunately the the weather was against all that had been planned, however the candle bags were displayed in the village hall and in the church. 

The choir sang in the church and was followed by a short service where loved one no longer with us were remembered.