Bishop of Whitby Barry Hill and Archdeacon of Cleveland Amanda Bloor led a group of pilgrims on the new St Aelred’s Pilgrim Trail at the edge of the North York Moors in March, reflecting on lines of the Lord’s Prayer throughout the day.
The Pilgrimage through Northern Ryedale Deanery linked with the Faith in the North programme, in which Archbishop of York Stephen Cottrell is teaching across the north of England about the Lord’s Prayer, reconnecting with its timeless words and the ways they change our lives, our communities, and the wider world.
Bathed in spring sunshine and temperatures of 15 degrees, nearly 100 pilgrims gathered for a welcome and opening prayer in the parish church at Old Byland at the beginning of the St Aelred’s Pilgrim Trail, an 8-mile route launched last September.
The group of pilgrims grew at each of the stopping points, at the churches of Scawton, Cold Kirby, and the parish church at Rievaulx. At each a short reflection was offered on a section of the Lord’s Prayer, exploring what it might mean for us today.
The group of pilgrims welcomed more walkers and horse riders at each village, finally numbering over 150. Late in the afternoon the pilgrim group processed from the parish church to Rievaulx Abbey, gathering for a service bathed in sunshine. It was a fitting end to a day of walking, faith, friendship, and Christian witness that will linger long in the memory.
Bishop Barry reflected, “It was a great joy to spend the day walking and praying with people from across the region on this wonderful new pilgrimage route which I heartily commend to you.
“We were particularly reminded of St Augustine’s words that, ‘it is solved by walking’, that in the Christian life we can’t work out everything and then live it out; it is in the living that the rendering happens.”
The Revd Mel Burnside, Priest in Charge of Helmsley and Upper Ryedale, said, “It’s just been wonderful – sunshine and joy and love all day!”
George Gyte, a member of the St Aelred’s Pilgrim Trail team added, “It was a heart-lifting day of faith, hope, and joy. A day of sunshine, wonderful countryside to walk through, inspiring and reflective prayer stages, and a poignant service led by Bishop Barry amidst the grandeur of Rievaulx Abbey’s Nave.
“This Lent Walk will live long in the memory, as will the hauntingly beautiful sounds of the Bilsdale Silver Band accompanied by bold hymn singing voices.”
