On weekdays at 9am, we gather in the Chancel to say morning prayer for about 15 minutes. Do come and join us – it is a very good way to begin the day, reading psalms together and listening to readings from the Bible. I love being in the ancient wooden stalls, with the morning light filtering through the diamond panes of glass in the towering windows.

I like to see the statues behind the High Altar. Most are readily recognisable: St Catherine with her wheel and St Hugh with his friend the swan. But there is one statue who, rather comically, needs a golden label to identify him as St Edmund of Abingdon. So this epistle is to give thanks for our local saint, and all people who make a quiet contribution but are less well known and celebrated.

Here is one of his prayers:

Lord, since you exist, we exist. Since you are beautiful, we are beautiful. Since you are good, we are good. By our existence we honour you. By our beauty we glorify you. By our goodness we love you.

Lord, through your power all things were made. Through your wisdom all things are governed. Through your grace all things are sustained. Give us power to serve you, wisdom to discern your laws, and grace to obey those at all times.

Edmund of Abingdon, c. 1180-1240