For churches along the Saint Aelred’s Pilgrim Trail, however, this tradition has long been kept alive through the Gathering Lent Pilgrimage. This year, more than 80 walkers, riders, cyclists, families, and friends were welcomed by the Rt Revd Dr Andrew Rumsey, Bishop of Ramsbury, and the Revd Mel Burnside, at All Saints, Old Byland, before setting out on the trail to Rievaulx Abbey.
The pilgrimage called at St Mary, Scawton, where reflections and prayers were led by the Revd Ian Robinson, before continuing to Cold Kirby for lunch and then on to St Mary the Virgin, Rievaulx. There, pilgrims were joined by Bishop Barry Hill and Archdeacon Amanda Bloor.
At the abbey, Bishop Andrew and Revd Mel led a short service, accompanied by the Bilsdale Silver Band, before pilgrims departed with memories of a prayerful day amid the beauty of the North York Moors and its heritage churches, and a Christian message of hope and blessing. The day drew to a close with an evening concert by Bishop Andrew at All Saints, Helmsley.
As a testament to George Gyte and the Saint Aelred’s Pilgrim Trail team, the Gathering Lent Pilgrimage will feature on tonight’s BBC One Show at 7pm. You can watch again on BBC iPlayer.
If your church or community is organising a pilgrimage, do let us know. You can find further resources below:
Image courtesy of Valerie Mather
