(Photo: Bishopthorpe Palace)
Marking the 800th anniversary of St Francis of Assisi’s passing, a devoted group of Franciscan Christians embarks on a profound peace pilgrimage across England. The journey, orchestrated by the Society of St Francis, commenced on July 17 in Alnmouth, Northumberland, and will culminate in London, traversing numerous northern English towns and cities.
The pilgrims have set a course through notable locations such as Manchester, York, Newcastle, Leeds, Durham, and Bradford. They paused at Bishopthorpe Palace, the official residence of the Archbishop of York, for a moment of prayer on August 1.
This pilgrimage not only pays tribute to St Francis’s dedication to peace and reconciliation but also serves as a powerful reminder of the Christian mission. The Archbishop of York, Stephen Cottrell, emphasized the importance of this journey, stating, “This pilgrimage is a wonderful reminder that Christ’s peace starts with each of us.”
Highlighting the special significance of this year’s pilgrimage, Sister Judi from the Society of St Francis noted its alignment with the anniversary of the saint’s “transitus,” the remembrance of his death. She remarked, “Francis was very much about bringing peace, and the theme of peace is especially urgent for our world today.”
She expressed hope that the pilgrimage would visibly symbolize a longing for peace, encouraging others to contribute to this cause. Sister Judi also mentioned that walking together fosters opportunities for meaningful dialogue and introspection, adding, “It’s often easier to talk when walking alongside others, rather than across a meeting room.”
She further elaborated on the transformative potential of pilgrimages, saying, “Pilgrimages can be life changing, and being out in nature can help to refocus our minds and bring healing and wholeness.”
Open to all, the pilgrimage invites participation for any segment of the journey, as well as attendance at prayer gatherings and services. Archbishop Cottrell expressed his prayers for Sister Judi and the pilgrims, hoping the journey would inspire collective efforts to foster peace and hope within communities.
This article was originally written by www.christiantoday.com
