Catholic Deanery of Eastbourne and St Leonards
Scottish saints to visit the deanery
Carfin Scottish Saints Relics to visit St Wilfrid’s, Hailsham — 27 August
We’re excited to announce that St Wilfrid’s is the only East Sussex parish hosting a special reliquary from Carfin Grotto, Scotland, as part of the National Relic Tour organised by the Knights of St Columba.
On Wednesday 27 August 2025, our deanery has the rare privilege of hosting the sacred relics of:
- St Andrew the Apostle – Patron Saint of Scotland, Fishermen, and Ropemakers
- St Columba of Iona – 6th-century missionary and founder of the monastery on Iona
- St Margaret of Scotland – Queen, known for her charity and reform
They will be at St Wilfrid’s Church, South Road, Hailsham BN27 3JG, from 9.15am to 7.00pm, with Masses, talks, devotions, and opportunities for quiet veneration throughout the day.
Special Features of the Day
- 10.00am – Mass with reflections on the saints
- 4.00pm – Family & Children’s Session with storytelling and creative activities about the saints
- Talks and devotions throughout the day, including the Divine Mercy Chaplet and Holy Hour
- 7.00pm – Closing Mass celebrated by Canon Paul Jennings
Refreshments available all day in the Church Hall.
The press release has full details.
Why Hailsham?
This visit is especially meaningful because St Andrew is Patron Saint of Ropemakers — and Hailsham was once one of England’s leading rope-making towns. For centuries, families here worked in the rope industry, producing everything from farm ropes to ship rigging. That heritage continues today through Marlow Ropes, a world-class rope manufacturer still based in Hailsham and exporting worldwide.
On the day, the Hailsham Heritage Centre will host a special rope-making display in the Church Hall, including historic artefacts and photographs.
A Once-in-a-Lifetime Opportunity
This is the only place in East Sussex where the relics can be venerated during the 2025 national tour, organised by the Knights of St Columba as part of the Catholic Jubilee Year “Pilgrims of Hope.”
St Wilfrid’s Church, South Road, Hailsham BN27 3JG
Everyone is warmly invited — drop in at any time, no booking required.
About the Knights of St Columba
The Knights of St Columba are a Catholic service organisation supporting the Church at parish, diocesan, and national levels. All Catholic men are welcome to join and take part in charitable projects, faith activities, and events like the National Relic Tour. New members are usually welcomed during Mass.
For those in East Sussex, contact:
Council 433 (Eastbourne & District): Bob Waters—07752 043009 rhwaters@hotmail.com
Council 630 (Hastings & Rother): Sean Harkins—07874 061235 judesean@hotmail.com
Subscriptions vary by council; for example, Council 433 is currently £5 per month.
Image of the reliquary from the Sisters of Charity of St Paul the Apostle, from the relics' visit there in 2023.
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