What kind of Pilgrimage do You want to go on?
It is very popular now in its many forms - travelling with a purpose, pilgrimage for the sake of your soul, walking with Jesus, walking with a purpose!
And in Radcliffe we did ‘enjoy’, though that’s not quite the right word, the Good Friday Walk of Witness. We walked through the town with German friends, members of the Catholic Church and some Anglicans and when we looked back there were over 80 of us walking so not an insignificant witness made better when Father John dashed out to join us and all three ministers prayed at the end and we sang mightily too showing all who passed by the three very large crosses that we were Christians!
Other walks include a more green theme so walks for the environment are popular too, focussing on the creation all around us and God’s beauty in the natural world.
Sometimes church congregations go on a coach trip for a picnic, share food and a good walk and holy communion and return refreshed and energised!
Walking Clubs are very popular and not just with U3A but for all kinds and conditions of people. Some clutch professional sticks for aids or wear bobble hats and maps in plastic pouches round their necks, and waterproof backpacks and eager smiles as they walk.
Some are intent on the walk itself not so much the conversation whilst others walk to talk and share ideas however way out they are! There are some who do ‘prayer walks’ round special buildings offering the building and those who visit or work there before God in their prayers.
Circuit walks used to be popular especially if they were circular, starting in the church car park and ending up back there for tea and cake. Even bus passes and day tickets going round the whole bus route can be great fun, praying at churches along the way and praying for the town or village as you drive through.
So where will your walks lead you to next?