One night in the late medieval period, or so the story goes, a wooden statue of Our Lady was discovered floating on the waters of the River Teifi near Cardigan, a burning taper miraculously fixed to her hand. The people carried the statue in procession to the parish church, but three times it returned mysteriously to the river. Finally understanding that Our Lady wished to be honored at the place of her appearance, the faithful built a shrine by the water. For centuries, Our Lady of the Taper (Mair o'r Gannwyll) drew pilgrims from across Wales to this small market town in the west.
The Reformation destroyed the original statue, but it could not extinguish devotion to Our Lady of the Taper. When Catholic worship was restored in Cardigan in the nineteenth century, the ancient dedication was renewed. Today, the Church of Our Lady of the Taper serves as Wales' National Marian Shrine—a place where the medieval pilgrimage tradition continues in a modern setting, and where Catholics from throughout Wales gather to honor Mary under her ancient Welsh title.
Cardigan's shrine represents the continuity of Welsh Catholic identity across the centuries of persecution and revival. Here, in a town whose Welsh name (Aberteifi) speaks of rivers meeting, streams of prayer from the Middle Ages flow into the present.
📜 History & Spiritual Significance
The legend of Our Lady of the Taper places the miraculous discovery in the medieval period, though precise dating varies in different accounts. The image of the Virgin floating on water with a burning candle recalls other medieval Marian apparitions and miraculous discoveries across Europe. The taper—a candle that burned without consuming—symbolized Mary's perpetual prayer and intercession.
The original shrine became a significant pilgrimage destination in medieval Wales. Pilgrims came seeking Mary's intercession for healing, forgiveness, and protection. The shrine accumulated offerings and ex-votos testifying to favors received.
The Reformation of the sixteenth century brought destruction. Protestant reformers smashed the statue and suppressed the pilgrimage as idolatrous. For nearly three centuries, Catholic worship in Cardigan was forbidden. Welsh Catholics preserved their faith in secret, but the shrine was lost.
The Catholic revival of the nineteenth century reached Cardigan in 1853, when a small chapel was established for the Catholic community—many of them Irish immigrants who came to build the railway. The new parish adopted the ancient dedication to Our Lady of the Taper, consciously linking itself to the medieval tradition.
The present Church of Our Lady of the Taper was built in 1870 and has been expanded since. In 1983, the church was designated Wales' National Marian Shrine by the Bishops of Wales, recognizing both its historical significance and its role as a center of Marian devotion for Welsh Catholics.
A new statue of Our Lady of the Taper, commissioned for the shrine, depicts Mary holding the miraculous taper and standing above flowing waters, as in the original legend.
☩ Pilgrimage Sites in Cardigan
National Shrine of Our Lady of the Taper
Church of Our Lady of the Taper
The parish church serves as Wales' National Marian Shrine. The shrine area features the statue of Our Lady of the Taper and provides space for devotion, prayer, and candlelight offerings. The church hosts regular pilgrimage events and Marian devotions.
The interior reflects the shrine's dual nature as both working parish and pilgrimage destination. The atmosphere encourages both personal prayer and communal celebration of Mary's role in salvation history.
The River Teifi
The river where, according to tradition, the original statue was discovered flowing with its miraculous taper. Though no specific site is marked, pilgrims may wish to visit the riverbank near the church to contemplate the origin of the devotion. The Teifi remains a beautiful and sacred presence in the landscape.
Cardigan Castle
The Norman castle, recently restored, provides historical context for medieval Cardigan. The first recorded Eisteddfod (Welsh cultural festival) was held here in 1176. While not a pilgrimage site per se, the castle helps pilgrims understand the town's medieval significance.
🕯️ Annual Feast Days & Celebrations
National Pilgrimage — Second Saturday of September
The principal pilgrimage event of the year draws Welsh Catholics for Mass, procession, and Marian devotions.
Feast of Our Lady of the Taper
The shrine celebrates its patronal feast with special liturgies and devotions.
May Devotions
Traditional Marian devotions throughout May, including Rosary and processions.
Christmas Season
Special devotions during Advent and the Christmas season, with the taper motif taking on added significance.
🛏️ Where to Stay
Various B&Bs in Cardigan — The town offers several guesthouses and bed-and-breakfast establishments.
Gwbert and Mwnt coastal areas (vacation rentals) — Beach accommodation approximately 5 km from Cardigan.
Fishguard Hotels — The larger town (25 km) offers additional options.
🚗 Getting There
By Car: Cardigan is on the A487 coast road, approximately 65 km from Carmarthen and 40 km from Aberystwyth. Parking available in town center.
By Bus: Regular bus services connect Cardigan with Carmarthen, Aberystwyth, and other towns. The bus station is in the town center.
By Train: The nearest railway stations are Carmarthen (65 km) and Aberystwyth (65 km). Bus connections to Cardigan.
By Car: Approximately 2 hours from Cardiff via the A48 and A484/A487.
📚 Further Reading
Nicholas Rogers. Medieval Catholic Pilgrimage in Wales — Historical context for Welsh Marian shrines.
🔗 Useful Links
Our Lady of the Taper, Cardigan — Shrine and parish information.
Diocese of Menevia — Diocesan resources.
Catholic Bishops' Conference of England and Wales — Information on Catholic pilgrimage in Wales.
🧭 Nearby Pilgrimage Destinations
St. Davids (50 km) — Cathedral and shrine of Wales' patron saint.
Penrhys (80 km) — Ancient Marian shrine in the Rhondda Valley.
Holywell (150 km) — St. Winefride's Well, Britain's premier healing shrine.
🪶 Closing Reflection
"The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; upon those who lived in a land of gloom a light has shone." — Isaiah 9:1 (NABRE)
