On Friday 5th September, the national walking pilgrimage Pilgrims of Hope entered our diocese as part of the Southern Route – The Way of St John. This is one of four routes converging on the Catholic Cathedral of St Barnabas, Nottingham, later this month.
The Southern Way began at St George’s Cathedral, Southwark, with pilgrims stopping at Westminster Cathedral before journeying through our own diocese, visiting Sacred Heart, Leighton Buzzard; St Bede’s, Newport Pagnell; and our Cathedral in Northampton.
The pilgrims, both perpetual pilgrims walking the full route and day pilgrims joining along the way, arrived at Sacred Heart, Leighton Buzzard, on Friday afternoon. They were warmly welcomed by Deacon Tony Falcon and parishioners. After a short rest, the group gathered in the church for a simple liturgy during which Deacon Tony blessed each of the pilgrims.
Reflecting on Romans 5:1–5, Deacon Tony reminded the pilgrims that “suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.” He encouraged them to see their physical endurance on the road as a living witness to Christian hope.
Having walked 16 miles that day, the pilgrims were treated to a home-cooked supper generously prepared by two parishioners, before bedding down for the night on the parish hall floor. At 8am the following morning, they set off again on their journey northwards, carrying with them the prayers and support of the faithful in our diocese.
