Grace and Rededication - The Pledge
The Carmen invariably sing Grace at formal functions, and their Honorary Chaplain offers Grace before meals, usually in verse.
Once a year on 19 March, the Carmen remember their foundation in worship at their Guild church, St Michael Paternoster Royal.
This is one of three annual services. The other two are the Carol Service at Christmastide, and the Installation Service, at the beginning of each Carman year.
At the Foundation Day and Rededication Service, a trumpet fanfare, composed for the Carmen by Christ's Hospitallers, heralds a declaration by the Master, when a Liveryman reads the Pledge, flanked by Freeman and Apprentice.
'We do promise to be true to our Sovereign Lady the Queen, and to renew and rededicate ourselves to serve the City, our industry and those in need.'
The Pledge is signed and sealed, after all Carmen present have stood and declared it together.
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