Ely Cathedral  dates back to the year 672 AD and was one  of the  major sites for Medieval pilgrims. Pilgrims are still visiting  today to the tune of 250, 000 annually.  Granted many of these pilgrims visit to see the exquisite Romanesque, Gothic architecture and sparkling stained glass windows or  listen to the ethereal boys choir. There are others who come to pray , meditate and give thanks to God for blessings and search for  guidance.

The church got its name from St. Elheldreda who restored an old church on the existing  foundation which became a monastery  and  thrived for 200 years.

Here is the prayer said on June 23, the feast day of the saint.

“Eternal God,
who bestowed such grace upon your servant Etheldreda
that she gave herself wholly to the life of prayer
and to the service of your true religion:
grant that we, like her,
may so live our lives on earth seeking your kingdom
that by your guiding
we may be joined to the glorious fellowship of your saints; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.”

What’s more perfect to fill the spaces of a majestic cathedral than the majestic music of Widor.