Miriam Hull honoured with Royal Maundy
Warmest congratulations to Miriam Hull, who travelled to York Minster Cathedral last week to receive the Royal Maundy from His Majesty King Charles III.
Miriam was nominated for the honour by Bishop David and was one of 74 women and 74 men to receive the Maundy Purse this year.
“The Maundy experience was amazing,” said Miriam. “It’s still difficult to find the right words.
“I was, first of all, honoured and humbled to receive Bishop David’s nomination, and then excited and humbled by the whole experience at York Minster.
“Meeting the King was very special, as was receiving the little pouches of coins. I’ll treasure those for always.
“For me, the most important part of all of it was the opportunity to identify with Jesus, who washed the feet of his disciples and then told them – and us – to do the same. As I was thanked by the King for my service to God, I came away simply wanting to serve Jesus more.”
Miriam became a Christian aged 17 and very quickly became involved for many years in youth work in Lisburn Cathedral, her home church. She worked as a teacher before sensing a call overseas which led to 10 years serving in Peru with Crosslinks. There she worked both in church planting and in Lima’s shanty towns with poor and displaced people.
On her return to Ireland Miriam worked as a Lay Assistant in Lisburn Cathedral and later Willowfield Parish until her retirement. Not surprisingly, Miriam has not retired from volunteering. She is a CAP befriender, helps at a Drop–in, and is still involved with parish visiting in Willowfield.
In nominating Miriam, Bishop David said:
“Miriam has spent many long hours working with the elderly and those who live alone, providing practical help and support. She set up a charity known as Besom in East Belfast, which provided practical help to the homeless and those who were in need of furniture, clothing or other life necessities. In this regard she organised a large team of volunteers which supported some of the poorest families in East Belfast.
“Miriam also in more recent years was involved in leading teams to Rwanda, working there with families in need as well as leading teams from Ireland, and in so doing, promoting reconciliation both in Ireland and in Rwanda.”