On April 2 a special service of remembrance will be held at the Roman Catholic Church of Our Lady and St. Michael to mark the 100th anniversary of the dedication of Abergavenny’s first Memorial to the fallen of World War One.

The monument which is sited just inside the grounds of the church on Pen-y-Pound, is in the form of a life size replica of Christ nailed to the cross, and is sheltered under a tiled penthouse roof. It is surrounded by a rockery with shrubs and flowers.

The Figure of the Christ was sent to the parish sometime between 1878-80 by John Baker Gabb Junior and came from Rome. It was originally situated at the west end of the Church.

The cross is made of oak, donated by Lord Treowen and designed and built by Mr. Charles Hill.

The rockery was laid using stone taken from the Church garden by Mr. J. Watkins, Mr. W. Griffiths, Mr. T. Lloyd and Mr Walsh.

On Good Friday (April 2), 1920, the memorial was officially unveiled at a special service. It began in the church with the stations of the cross, and the congregation, led by the choir and the town band, passed in procession through lines of ex-servicemen to the memorial.

Between 1500-2000 people attended, with many lining the roadside of Pen-Y-Pound. The space in front of the memorial was reserved for family members of the fallen and ex-servicemen.

Also joining the congregation were Lord Treowen, the Honourable Mrs. Herbert, and Colonel Bleddian.

The service was led by the Parish Priest, Fr. Hilary Wilson OSB and began with the hymn “Man of Sorrows.”

It was followed by a short address on the meaning of the memorial.

Following the “Roll Call,” the blessing of the cross took place and wreathes and flowers were laid at the foot of the cross during which the hymn, “Soul of my Saviour” was sung.

The De Profundis was then recited followed by the prayer and blessing.

The service conclude with the hymn, “Crown him with many crowns,” the Last Post and the National Anthem.

In 2020 the service will begin at 12 noon on April 2 and follow the same pattern as that of the original service 100 years ago, with parishioners, members of the British Legion, pupils and staff of the parish school and ecumenical representatives attending.

The service will be followed by refreshments in St. Michael’s Centre.

For more information contact Father Matthew Carney, Parish Priest on 01873 851051 or email [email protected]