BFI

Given the dangers inherent in their work, it's not surprising that many miners were deeply religious, and this short Mining Review item records a procession and blessing at Ashington Colliery, Northumberland to mark Rogation Sunday, or the Sunday before Ascension Day (the fortieth day after Easter, when Christ is said to have ascended to heaven).

The blessing reads, in full:

Let us then offer what is done in this place to Almighty God, that it may be made good by his blessing. God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Ghost bless, preserve and guard all who work here. Make their work fruitful, to the good of their fellow men, and in fulfilment of their own lives, save them from danger and bring them to my kingdom. Go forth in peace.

Michael Brooke

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