CAMBRIDGE, UK – The Anglican congregation of St Bene’t’s in Cambridge is in mourning following the sudden passing of their beloved vicar, Canon Anna Matthews, at the age of 44.
Canon Matthews’s death was announced in a statement on Wednesday night and her passing away has been felt not just within the congregation but across the wider community, with many expressing their shock and sadness at the news. The Clergy and PCC members of the church had invited people to attend a special prayer service held on Thursday to honour the death of the Vicar. The service was led by Alex Hughes, the Archdeacon of Cambridge.
“This will be a difficult time for us as a congregation as we navigate the tremendous chasm in the life and worship of St Bene’t’s that Anna’s sudden loss brings and the feelings of deep grief we all share,” the statement said.
Canon Matthews, who had been the Vicar of the Anglican Church in Cambridge, had also served a Curacy in St. Alban diocese, before proceeding to work for six years in the Cathedral of St. Alban.
Rt. Rev. Steven Conway, the Bishop of Ely, also gave his tributes to the Vicar. He said; “Please pray for Stephen, her husband, for her close family and friends, for each of the communities which she has served, and particularly for the clergy and the people of St Bene’t’s. We bear one another in this great loss.”
According to a report by Premium, a lot had taken to social media to express their disbelief of the passing away of the Vicar. “My heart is absolutely broken. Such a special and lovely person and friend. Thank God for her. We will miss her so much. May she rest in peace and rise in glory. God be with you all,” one user wrote.
Another one said: “Anna was a wonderful curate at St Lawrence church in Abbots Langley. She was always so joyful and full of life, with love for her ministry within the church. Absolutely devastated to hear this very sad news. My thoughts are with all her friends and family May she rest in peace and rise in glory.”
In the meantime, the church is offering support and counselling to those affected by her passing, with many members of the congregation taking comfort in the knowledge that Matthews is now at peace and reunited with God.
Heartbroken at the news of the death of Rev’d Canon Anna Matthews. Her last sermon will be remembered as an example of her shining faith and inspiring witness to Christ.
Beloved Anna – may thy portion this day be peace, and thy dwelling in the heavenly Jerusalem. Amen. pic.twitter.com/o2vjig7XXR— Mthr Nicol Kinrade (@NicolKinrade) March 9, 2023
