Cornish Saints

The Celtic cross symbolises the cross of Jesus with the circle of the sun shining behind it, reminding people of the words of Jesus, 'I am the Light of the World.'

Many holy wells survive across Cornwall, each named after the local saint. As well as being vital in the life of the local community the water would be used in many ways by the church - in the holy water stoup by the door, in the communion ritual and - most importantly - in baptism. Some of these wells are built with steps going down into the water. This is like ancient baptistries and those in present day Baptist and Pentecostal Churches.

Celtic saints travelling through the countryside would gather a crowd to hear them by ringing a hand bell. These bells were treasured after their death and used in community rituals. Saint Petroc's Bell was kept at Bodmin and legal agreements were made with a hand on the bell, much as someone swears the oath in court today with a hand on the Bible.