Benedict Biscop Day celebrations

Sunderland's Patron Saint will be celebrated this year with events taking place across the city.

From a display at the City Library and Arts Centre to activities at the National Glass Centre and services at St Peter’s Church, Monkwearmouth and Sunderland Minster, there’s something for everyone.
From Monday 9th January to Saturday 14th January, visitors can enjoy a free display about Biscop’s life and legacy at the City Library and Arts Centre.

There will also be the chance to see replicas of the world famous Codex Amiatinus and Lindisfarne Gospels up close at two handling sessions. The manuscripts, which Benedict Biscop was instrumental in the production of, will be available for the public to view at pre-arranged sessions on 10th January at the City Library and Arts Centre and 12th January at St Peter’s Church. To book a place call 0191 561 8407.

The regular Dad’s and Kids session at the City Library will have an Anglo Saxon theme on the 14th January. For more information call 0191 561 8407.

Services open to all will be held to celebrate Sunderland’s Patron Saint at St Peter’s church and Sunderland Minster.
On 11th January at 6pm there will be a Eucharist at St Peter’s led by the Archdeacon of Sunderland. This will be followed at 9pm by a Compline led by Reverend Tom Gibbons.

At Sunderland Minster on 12th January at 6pm there will be a Civic Service led by Right Reverend Bishop Mark Bryant, Bishop of Durham and Chair of the Wearmouth-Jarrow Partnership. The service will be attended by the Mayor of Sunderland Councillor Norma Wright.

Benedict Biscop made a huge contribution to Sunderland and the Christian Church by establishing the twin Anglo-Saxon monastery, which centers on St Peter’s Church Sunderland and St Paul’s Church Jarrow. The monastery became an internationally renowned centre for learning and creativity and produced remarkable scholars including the Venerable Bede.

Benedict Biscop was adopted as the Patron Saint of Sunderland in 2005.
For further information on all activities please contact 0191 561 8407.