A prayer of St Richard of Chichester

Thanks be to thee, my Lord Jesus Christ, for all the benefits which thou hast given me, for all the pains and insults which thou hast borne for me. O most merciful Redeemer, Friend, and Brother, may I know thee more clearly, love thee more dearly, and follow thee more nearly, day by day.

AS I settle into my new position as Third Church Estates Commissioner, after many turbulent years in front-line politics and a very public dismissal by the electorate on live television at the General Election, just over a year ago, I am relishing my visits to as many cathedrals and churches as possible. My responsibility for many of our historic buildings should be not just a book exercise but a chance to see for myself the hard work being done on the ground to make these historic buildings living and breathing places of faith. From boyhood, I have had a keen interest in church architecture, and it is both a joy and a privilege for me to return to what was really my first enthusiasm.

Last month, just before Sussex Day and this year’s 950th anniversary celebration of the formation of the diocese, I visited Chichester Cathedral for the third time in half a century. On my second visit, nearly 30 years ago, I attended the Sunday eucharist with a considerable number of friends. I remember the Dean asking whether we were a travelling choir, only to be told that we were my stag party down for a weekend of racing at Goodwood. . .

My third visit to Chichester, albeit a quieter affair, was just as memorable. On a hot and sunny day, I spent time with the Bishop, Dean, and cathedral team, talking all things architectural, musical, and financial. To see the Piper tapestry and Chagall window bathed in sunlight brought a new, fresh perspective to these treasures; and it was a delight to speak to the librarians and volunteers who continue to serve the cathedral with pride and enthusiasm. I was particularly intrigued to see a book on the study of ants, once owned by John Donne, which will give me another dimension to think about when re-reading his poetry.

THE prayer of St Richard of Chichester is, after the Lord’s Prayer, the earliest prayer that I remember. I took a few moments at his modern shrine behind the high altar to reflect both on him and on my own spiritual journey in the 50 years since my first visit. Richard was a man of convictions so firm that he was more than prepared to confront Henry III, and to stand by principles of truth and justice, setting an example for all of us — particularly those in public life — to follow.

His prayer, which he reputedly uttered shortly before his death, has evolved in form down the centuries: while the “clearly, dearly, and nearly” triplet might be a much more modern invention, his direct thanksgiving to Christ, his invocation of Christ’s suffering for our sake, and his acknowledgement that we have to continue throughout our lives working to become ever closer to Jesus Christ, have resonated down the generations.

As I contemplated St Richard’s icon, with the image of our Lord set in the top left corner reminding us of the directness of his prayer, I thought about my visit only a few days earlier to Liverpool Cathedral, where another dedicated team of staff and volunteers ensure that the Giles Gilbert Scott masterpiece remains full of life and faith every day.

My journey goes on. Ely, Bristol, Peterborough, Winchester, Durham, York, Newcastle, and Carlisle are all part of my summer programme, plus as many parish churches as I can find — and my own home berth, Christ Church, Swindon, too. As I wander down the winding road of life at a time of great uncertainty, fear, and anger, both in this country and in our wider world, I cannot think of a simpler and more powerful message of direction, hope, and joy, than the one first conveyed by St Richard, eight centuries ago.

Sir Robert Buckland was appointed Third Church Estates Commissioner earlier this year (News, 28 February). A practising barrister and former part-time judge, he was MP for South Swindon from 2010 to 2024. His previous positions include Lord Chancellor and Secretary of State for Justice (2019-21) and Secretary of State for Wales (2022).