YOURS FAITHFULLY
AS you read these words, I will be walking with the Anglican Bishop of Shrewsbury and other friends through rural Shropshire, inaugurating a new pilgrimage trail from Holywell (North Wales) to Shrewsbury.
The St Winefride’s Pilgrimage follows in the footsteps of the seventh Century AD Welsh Christian saint and martyr Winefride, whose body finally came to rest in Shrewsbury Abbey.
Earlier in 2022, I spent several days walking with friends through Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire and Staffordshire on the final stages of a 480-mile pilgrimage from Lindisfarne to Lichfield, a walk which retraced the travels of the seventh century English Christian saint Chad, whose tomb became the site of the construction in 700AD of the then new Lichfield Cathedral.
It is fair to say that pilgrimage is experiencing a remarkable resurgence in popularity. Just last month, it came to national attention through the broadcast of a pilgrimage from Ireland to Scotland in the footsteps of the sixth Century AD Christian monk Saint Columba, one of the pioneers of the Christian faith in the British Isles.
‘Pilgrimage: The Road to the Scottish Isles’ brought together seven people with very different spiritual backgrounds to respond together to the physical, mental, emotional and spiritual challenges presented by their journey.
The interaction between Laurence Llewelyn-bowen, Louise Clein, Nick Hewer, Scarlett Moffat, Monty Panesar, Shazia Mirza and Will Bayley was fascinating to hear.
In my experience, going on pilgrimage has a number of benefits. Firstly, it connects me to our heritage. The Midlands, like the rest of the UK, is full of places with a strong and direct link to history, much of which is related to the Christian faith, which has shaped life on these islands over the centuries to the present day.
I find it fascinating to visit the places where historic events took place, or where holy people worshipped and prayed. Their faith in Jesus Christ lives on through buildings, settlements and name-places throughout the area.
Pilgrimage connects me to people, because the conversation with fellowpilgrims never fails to be interesting and informative. To walk and talk together over a number of hours, without a set agenda for the conversation, is invariably inspiring and uplifting. Existing friendships are strengthened along the way and new friendships are forged through the shared experience of pilgrimage.
Pilgrimage connects me to nature, because sooner or later the paths lead through woodland or valleys, over fields and hills, next to streams or pastures. The British weather is often unpredictable, which means that a variety of clothing is required, along with sturdy footwear, but the uplift to the soul of the ever-changing scenery can hardly be measured, not to mention the physical benefits of the completion of thousands of steps en route!
Finally, pilgrimage connects me to God, because there is a spiritual element to the endeavour. Pilgrimage is more than just a nice walk precisely because it involves moving intentionally from, through and to places connected to faith, which for me, focuses on Christian faith. I can be awe-struck while enjoying the splendour of Stoke Minster, Cheadle St Giles or Lichfield Cathedral.
I can also have a sense of God when praying at a simple well or at a humble site associated with a Christian community.
And I am conscious that I am following the pattern of Jesus, who did not teach his disciples in a classroom, but while walking from place to place.
Why not try a pilgrimage for yourself? You don’t have to walk scores of miles. A short walk from one parish church to another would be a great place to start.
To help you along, the British Pilgrimage Trust website provides an introduction to routes around the country and the Two Saints Way website presents possibilities more locally. And for those who experience mobility issues, virtual pilgrimages are now available online. Happy pilgrimaging!