Pilgrims from as far away as Kent were sustained by a diet of prayer and pasties as they were led by Bishop Tim on a journey from Laneast to the ancient holy well of St Clether, on Bodmin Moor.pilgrims WoL 640res

The pilgrimage was opened with a prayer from the Rev Deryn Roberts, Vicar of Laneast, who gave thanks to God for the glory of creation and the blessings of living in such a beautiful place.

Parishioners and locals were joined by the pilgrims from further afield, as part of the diocesan Way of Life initiative.

Local worship leader Antony Naylor led midday prayers at St Clether Church and encouraged the pilgrims to make crosses from twigs and blades of grass, which they then carried with them for the walk over the fields to the historic holy well.

At the holy well chapel the bishop reminded pilgrims of their baptism by splashing them with water from the spring, before celebrating Holy Communion.

Pilgrims were encouraged to share their faith stories with one another as they rested at the chapel before beginning the walk back to St Clether Church, where cream teas were enjoyed.

Archdeacon of Bodmin, The Venerable Audrey Elkington, led the closing worship at St Clether and called the pilgrims to remember their calling to serve others. The bishop and archdeacon rewarded each pilgrim with a bookmark signed by the bishop and with the Way of Life prayer printed on it.

Bishop Tim said: “Pilgrimages are not measured in miles or days, but in the journeys we make in our heart, the journeys of faith and fellowship.

“I found the experience of walking together as always very helpful and encouraging.  We were welcomed royally in the various places we stopped, the food was marvellous and the weather was beautiful.

“To celebrate the Eucharist at St Clether Holy Well was very special and spending time in prayer listening to God together in the beauty of that place was uplifting.

“I know from the conversations I had that others who were there have gone away thinking how they can do something similar.  Talking, walking and praying together, like those who are on the Way, is a very good thing to do!”

Way of Life is a flexible discipleship programme for anyone, wherever they might be on their Christian journey.

 

Way of Life Prayer

Eternal God

your Son Jesus Christ

is the way, the truth and the life

for all creation;

grant us grace to walk in his way

to rejoice in his truth,

and to share his risen life;

who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,

one God now and forever.

Amen