Tonight, Soulton Hall is marking a moment of quiet reverence, honouring the enduring influence of Pope Francis.
The estate’s historic dancing pavement, typically reserved for events of deep cultural importance, has had candles placed upon it.
The illumination served as a tribute to the late Pope’s commitment to peace, his advocacy for the vulnerable, and his environmental consciousness.
The light arrangement, subtly different each time, once again formed a cross.
The twelve outer lights represented the disciples, symbolizing the various churches spreading the Gospel. In the centre, a cluster of candles five lights invited contemplation of Christ, especially poignant so close to Easter.
Honouring the enduring influence of Pope Francis — The 12 outer lights represented the disciples, symbolizing the various churches spreading the Gospel. In the centre, a cluster of five lights invited contemplation of Christ, especially poignant so close to Easter.
Speaking for the Ashton family, Tim Ashton said:
We all find Pope Francis’ interfaith work inspirational.
At Soulton, we are aware we care for some very important Roman Catholic heritage. For instance, Soulton is on one of the old pilgrim routes from St. Winefride’s shrine in Shrewsbury to her Well (now dedicated as a National Shrine) at Holywell in Flintshire.
DigVentures found a pilgrim’s ampulla or holy water flask in their excavations at Soulton Castle. On questions like these, we have a wonderful supportive friendship from the Catholic Diocese, and enjoy hosting cultural and faith events here.
Given the sensitivity of this act, the Ashton family sought advice from Heritage Consultancy Byrga Geniht.
Speaking for them, James D. Wen said:
One of the most moving things about the late Pope Francis’ ministry was his work reaching out across the different churches to find unity. It feels right to remember him through the symbolism of the Disciples, who spread out across the world. It is wonderful seeing these symbols of harmony still lighting up the world today.
The symbolic use of light for remembrance finds parallels in other settings, such as when Rippon Cathedral observed a similar act for HM The King ahead of the coronation.
This act of lighting the pavement, linked to the harmonious dance depicted in Shakespeare’s As You Like It, is always and only associated with reflection on the way we need to promote and preserve harmony in the social contract organisations humans form, and how we can use allegory arising in mathematics and geometry to imagine what better behaviour and social outcomes might look like.
The light display fostered a shared atmosphere of introspection, encouraging individual consideration of unity and fellowship.
This practice, a long-standing tradition at Soulton Hall, has recently commemorated significant milestones such as the 400th anniversary of the First Folio, the passing of Queen Elizabeth II, and the coronation of King Charles III.
Pope Francis
