Cathedral's historic shrine to 'welcome back' patron saint

Lichfield Cathedral is mark 1,350 years since the death of St Chad by reinstating a shrine of its co-patron and first bishop.

The historic moment takes place on 8 November when the shrine will be reinstated at the site of the original medieval shrine.

A relic of St Chad is being translated from St Chad 's Roman Catholic Cathedral in Birmingham to Lichfield Cathedral as a mark of unity within the Christian Church.

The Dean of Lichfield, the Very Rev 'd Adrian Dorber, said: “This moment will represent years of patient dialogue and conversation.

“More importantly it marks the growing relationships between all God 's people and especially with our Catholic brothers and sisters in the Archdiocese of Birmingham.

“We pray that this gift of friendship will be a sign and example that heals historic divides and moves forward in shared faith. After all, Chad was Bishop of an undivided church. ”

A special, ecumenical service on 8 November at 2.30pm will see a relic of St Chad brought by representatives of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Birmingham and St Chad 's Cathedral to Lichfield Cathedral.

This relic will be kept in a specially created reliquary, gifted by the congregation of St Chad 's Cathedral, Birmingham.

Walking the way of St Chad from the well at St Chad 's Parish Church, Lichfield by Stowe Pool, the relic will make its way to Lichfield Cathedral where it will be gratefully received and housed in a purpose-built shrine.