Good News: Hospitality for Nearly 900 Years
While travelling in England this summer, Deacon Shane and his family visited the Hospital of St Cross near Winchester, where they took part in a remarkable tradition of Christian hospitality that has continued for centuries.
Despite its name, St Cross is not a hospital in the modern medical sense. The word reflects an older meaning of hospital — a place of hospitality, shelter and care. Founded in the 12th century to provide for people in need, St. Cross continues that vocation today and is home to a community of older men, known as the Brothers.
Since medieval times, travellers arriving at the Porter’s Lodge have been able to ask for the Wayfarer’s Dole — a small piece of bread and a measure of ale, freely given to anyone who asks. The tradition reflects the original purpose of St Cross: providing care for those in need and hospitality to travellers.
The custom continues today. Shane and his family stopped at the Porter’s Lodge, made their request, and received their bread and ale from the Porter.
There is something rather wonderful about an act of hospitality surviving generation after generation: a stranger comes to the door, asks, and is given something to eat and drink.
Nearly 900 years later, perhaps that is still good news worth sharing — and practising.
