Maundy Money Celebrations
Image by Worcester Cathedral/James Atkinson
Every year on Maundy Thursday the King distributes the Maundy Money to thank people for their outstanding Christian service and for making a difference to the lives of people in their local communities. The service dates back to 600AD and these special coins have kept much the same form since 1670. Each recipient of Maundy money is given two small leather purses by The King, one red and one white. The first contains a small amount of ordinary coinage which symbolises the Sovereign's gift for food and clothing. The second purse contains Maundy coins up to the value of the Sovereign's age. The coins are legal tender but recipients normally prefer to retain them as a keepsake.
One hundred and fifty men and women were chosen by each Diocese to receive Maundy Money in 2024. This year, for the first time, Bishop Robert was asked to nominate recipients who were not necessarily members of the Church of England, but members of churches with whom we have ecumenical links. Thus the two recipients to receive Maundy Money were Andrew Brown MBE CA (a member of the Church of Scotland) from Brussels and Cecilia Johnston from Zwolle. Andrew was for many years treasurer of the Scottish Church in Brussels and he was instrumental in the high-profile celebrations there to mark the centenary of the death of Edith Cavell. Cecilia is a very long-serving, key member, of the congregation in Zwolle (part of the Utrecht chaplaincy).
They both attended the annual Royal Maundy Service at Worcester Cathedral on 28th March 2024 to receive their Maundy money purses from Queen Camilla who was standing in for King Charles as he recovers from his cancer treatment. Cecilia shared something of her experience with us;
“The day started with breakfast in the hotel with the whole group who were going to the ceremony. At 10 we crossed the road to the cathedral and made our way through the crowds and the policemen till we got to the check in point.
We were handed over to one of the choristers who showed us to our seats in the main aisle. Andrew sat in front of me and my husband. The procession was led by the clergy and then the Yeomen of the Guard with their splendid uniforms and then the Queen.
Even though I had seen many royal weddings and services on the TV to actually be there was so fantastic. Queen Camilla passed down the aisles handing out the money to us. She really seemed interested in everyone who was receiving the gift and made you feel special.
On leaving the cathedral after the service, we had to pass through the crowds; it felt like being royalty yourself. We finished the day off with lunch and a glass of champagne with Andrew and his companion. A day never to be forgotten. I realise I was very lucky to be chosen and to represent my small Anglican church in Zwolle.”
Andrew, who was awarded the status of Maundy Pensioner as a thanks to his active role as Chairman of the BECCG (Belgian Edith Cavell Commemoration Group), said;
“The Queen distributed the Maundy Gifts with great elegance offering a smile and a thoughtful word to one and all. One had to be impressed by her poise in the circumstance of King Charles’ illness.
At the completion of the distribution Handel’s ‘Zadok the Priest’ was performed by the musicians and choirs. Worcester Cathedral proved to be the ideal setting for this magnificent composition. I am certain that none of those present will ever forget it.
The closing processions allowed the congregation to marvel once more at the number of participants, the colour and the precision, in fact, the complete pageantry of the event. A fitting end to something quite unforgettable.”
We wish them both many congratulations.
