The story of Mary Jones, or Mari Jones colloquially, is one that has captured the imagination of generations, and what better way to celebrate St David's Day and the start of Women's History Month than by having a former-student and specialist in the history and the influence of Mary Jones to give a talk about her.
Nerys Siddall graduated in Welsh and Theology from ¿ì»îÓ°Ôº and went on to gain an MA in Biblical Studies from Trinity Saint David’s University, and now, she manages Byd Mary Jones World centre in Llanycil, Bala, so it was nice to have Nerys, our alumnus, delivering a talk about the significance of Mary Jones today. In 1800, the then 15-year-old girl walked 26 miles in order to buy her own copy of the Bible, and that journey proved to be a catalyst for the campaign to ensure that there was a 'Bible for all the people of the world' who so wished to have their own copy, and promote literacy, and, in due course, establish the Bible Society.
Nerys presented Mary's family context and the challenges she faced throughout her life, detailing her religious zeal and her desire to have a personal copy of the Bible. With that, she became a notable figure and remains so to this today. Indeed, in her presentation, Nerys said that an article was published a few years ago which listed the 10 most notable Welsh people across the globe, and the person who made the top of the list was Mary Jones. Her name and history are well known world-wide, in many different countries, and people from all over the planet visit the Byd Mary Jones World centre annually.
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Following the successful event, which was held over Zoom, Dr Gareth Evans-Jones, lecturer in Philosophy and Religion, and co-director of the National Centre of Religious Education for Wales, said, 'This was an extremely interesting talk. The story of Mari Jones is one that still resonates to this day, and it was great to see so many people attend the event from different ages and backgrounds, with three primary schools and one secondary school, academics, researchers, civil servants, officers of various faith and community organisations, and supportive members of the public among the audience. Certainly, Mari's story is worth hearing and remembering, whether if one is religious or not, because it truly demonstrates – in accordance with the words of Saint David – that it is through the small things that the greatest impact is achieved. And with Mari Jones’ first step, a far-reaching influence was to be, and indeed has been, seen.'
The National Centre of Religious Education for Wales will release educational resources based on the story of Mary Jones of Bala during Women's History Month which can be used in primary and secondary schools.