Franciscan pilgrims have been journeying from Almouth to London on a peace pilgrimage to mark the 800th anniversary of the death of St Francis. This week they have been journeying through our diocese, starting in Clent last Sunday and leaving Upton tomorrow. Today they reached the Cathedral where they spent the day.
Throughout the day there has been an exhibition in the Lady Chapel with eight stations depicting different parts of St Francis’ life as well as other information about being a Franciscan.
When the pilgrims reached the Cathedral, they were taken on a tour by Canon Brian Gant, who talked about how pilgrims have visited the Cathedral throughout the years.
Bishop Hugh led the pilgrims and others in a Eucharist service saying: “Thank you for your witness, your presence and your prayers, it is good to be with you, to worship together and to pray together for peace and justice.” He also reflected on the importance of peace in the light of his recent trip to Ukraine.
During the afternoon the pilgrims listened to a talk about Franciscans in Worcester by local historian Dr Pat Hughes, before taking a short walk around the city centre to visit some of the places mentioned. The day finished with Evensong in the Cathedral.
Our leg of the national pilgrimage was organised by our local Third Order Franciscan group. Canon Ruth Wintle said: “The pilgrimage through our diocese has gone very smoothly. It has been wonderful to see the support that we’ve received, and all the churches where the pilgrims have stopped have been very welcoming. It’s been great to be able to share a bit about being a Franciscan with others.”
Sister Judi is a Franciscan based in Gloucester and one of the co-ordinators of the full pilgrimage. She has walked all of our diocesan leg and will be travelling onwards to Sherbourne.
She said: “We have a relay of people doing the full route and my section has been very lovely. It’s been nice to see the different places and the walkers have all gelled together. Francis was a man of peace who was also sent to rebuild the Church. Throughout the pilgrimage we’ve been praying for wars that have happened as well sa what we might be on the brink of. We’ve also sowed seeds as we’ve met with people and communities who aren’t aware of us as Franciscans. God has certainly been ahead of us as we’ve travelled.”
The Revd Christine Holzapfel, retired Priest in our diocese has walked the full diocesan stretch. She said: “It’s been a lovely relay with people coming in and out at different stages. The weather has been glorious and warm until today and I enjoyed following the river. It’s also the first time I’ve visited Glasshampton Franciscan Monastery. That was a real gift, and I’ve learnt a lot about them.”
The pilgrims will leave our diocese tomorrow from Upton on Severn as they follow the Severn way towards Tewkesbury.
