The Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr Rowan Williams, will preach at the funeral next week of a clergyman and scholar celebrated for his writings on Welsh poetry and Celtic spirituality.
Canon Arthur MacDonald Allchin, known as Father Donald, moved to Wales on his retirement and lived in Bangor. A former lecturer at Oxford University and Canon of Canterbury Cathedral, he was appointed as honorary professor of Bangor University in 1993 and was warden of the Ty Mawr Convent in Monmouth. While in Wales he learnt Welsh and wrote many articles and reviews about Welsh poets and the nature of Celtic spirituality, including guides to two holy places, Ynys Enlli and Pennant Melangell.
The Archbishop of Wales, Dr Barry Morgan, described Father Donald as “a great friend of the Church in Wales”. He said, “Donald Allchin immersed himself in all things Welsh and knew more about the history and culture of Wales than many who were born here. He was also one of the first people to appreciate the depth of the poetry of RS Thomas and was responsible for bringing it to the attention of a wider audience.”
Father Donald died in Oxford, aged 80, and a Funeral Requiem will be held at St Mary Magdalen Church, Oxford, on Wednesday 12th January 2011 at 11am.
