Maundy Money

Cecilia Johnston, a long-standing member of the Zwolle congregation, was invited to receive alms at Worcester Cathedral on Maundy Thursday. Cecilia has served tirelessly and faithfully behind the scenes in Zwolle, making the regular services there possible. In honour of all she has done, she was invited to receive alms from the Queen last week.

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.

Cecilia writes:

I have been back in the Netherlands a few days but my head is still spinning with all that happened in Worcester Cathedral. The excitement of all the participants waiting patiently for 2 hours, the entrance of the Yeomen of the Guard with all their pageantry and then finally the Queen’s entrance, magnificent! The service was beautiful with the Chapel Royal choir singing along with the Cathedral’s own choir and then the National Anthem sung by us all. Very emotional. Maybe her Majesty distributing the Maundy coins was also special as she seemed to look directly at you as she handed them out.. I feel very honoured to have been chosen to represent you all.

This story was first published in the newsletter of Holy Trinity Utrecht, ‘Trinity Tidings’.