Why Pilgrimage?
If you are a pilgrim ...
At some stage in your life you will feel a call to pilgrimage, to walk freely, without encumbrance, probably on your own, leaving your life behind you, to find meaning in your life. Don't ignore the call, respond to it, it is part of your spiritual development.
Many people who feel the call go to Spain and walk the way of St James, but there is no need. You can be a pilgrim here in England, in the UK. God is everywhere, his presence is in everything, you can find Him and your purpose through walking, as a pilgrim, here at home.
England is criss-crossed with footpaths, many of them lead to Churches. Herefordshire is creating walking routes for pilgrims using our footpath systems, with Churches at the centre of the routes and probably other counties too.
If you are a church ...
Welcoming pilgrims and providing simple facilities for their rest and sanctuary at night is another way of using the church, still a worshipful and spiritual way, that can bring people to God.
Churches are ideally placed to do this, they are the centre of every parish, every community, and everyone can find the church. The church can connect the person with the landscape and to God.
Please contact us if you would like to become part of a pilgrimage route, we have practical, spiritual and financial resources to help you to do so.