An S4C documentary, Cymro yn yr Abaty (Wynebau Newydd), follows the Reverend Deiniol Morgan, Canon of Westminster Abbey, one of the world’s most iconic religious buildings.
Cameras follow Deiniol in March 2008, as he prepares for two important events in the Abbey's calendar. The first is a St David’s day service for Members of Parliament and the second is the Commonwealth service – a royal event attended by the Queen and Duke of Edinburgh among other special guests.
"The role of the canon in Westminster Abbey is to prepare the services," explains Deiniol. "There are three churches here – the Abbey, St Margaret's Church next door and the Church of St Mary in the Houses of Parliament. Between them, there are around 30 services every week, so there’s plenty to do." he adds.
One of the main services held annually at the Abbey is the Commonwealth Service. We see Deiniol's behind-the-scenes preparations as he works hard to organise the event, despite poor weather and the late arrival of the performers.
Deiniol lives in a house in the Abbey’s grounds; he shows us around his home and other areas of the historic building which are closed to the public – including the roof of the Abbey, which has an excellent view of the Houses of Parliament.
Viewers can also see the historic robes in the Abbey's treasury where the priests' ceremonial clothes are kept – some of which are hundreds of years old.
"The role is a busy one and the days are long," says Deiniol. "But the main advantage of the job is that it’s so varied. People come from all over the world to the services."
Deiniol was bought up in the Aberystwyth area. His father is the author and lecturer Gerald Morgan, and his mother is the Reverend Enid Morgan, one of the first women to be ordained in Wales. He’s the youngest of three sons – his eldest brother, Rhys, is a vicar, and his other brother, actor Geraint Morgan, plays Hywel in S4C’s family saga Teulu, which returns to S4C this month.
© 2010 S4C
O Gymru / Made in Wales