ltg: UK Pilgrims

‘One of the best parts of this Pilgrimage was the care given, both physically and spiritually. For a high moment, nothing will ever come near to a simple Eucharist and Intercession at Lasingham.’

: Michael, Chingford 

‘I enjoyed visiting Hobthrush Island, near Lindisfarne Monastery, retreating like St Cuthbert, listening in the wind, watching the sea.’

: Timothy 

‘Having hated History and Scripture whilst at school, I had some doubts, but am now hooked on the Celtic Saints. Thank you for opening up a whole new world to me.’

: Margaret 

‘Durham is an awesome city- One which I must return to and explore. The pilgrimage is action packed with no dull moments, but still allows time for ‘reflection.’ Love, camaraderie, laughter and prayer have to be personally experienced. And after a busy day, what better way to end than with Compline! Who needs a night cap after that?’

: Deidre 

Highlight for me was the visit to Lastingham, the crypt of St Cedd and the chance to take part in the Eucharist in Durham. Sunday services, especially the music, we beautiful.’ 

‘The trip was well thought out and very well balanced. Having the chance to do ones own thing on alternative days were welcomed.’

: Pat 

‘I feel that the Eucharist at Lastingham, in the company of St Cedd, consolidated the group into active pilgrims, and subsequent experiences served to deepen our awareness of our own and of others needs. Through scholarship, art, music poetry and prayer, we have followed the achievements of the Celtic missionaries.’

: Moira, Totnes 

‘The thin places, their link with the transfiguration and with tonight’s anthem, Milton’s- “And keep in tune with heaven.” What reassurance and hope.’

: Audrey 

‘Following Bede in this Pilgrimage has been a wonderful and deeply moving spiritual experience for me. Our “journey” has been full of wonder, surprises, thin places, gentle humour and love and tolerance between the pilgrims.  Lastingham, Holy Island, Whitby, and Bamburgh- All these places hold dear memories.’

: Ruby 

‘For me, it was the companionship of a group of totally unknown people who blended so well, although so different in attitudes and ways. I loved the sense of history in the Churches we visited and the tranquillity of Lindisfarne.’

: Pam, Canterbury 

‘There are 3 blessings which I shall be taking home with me from this pilgrimage. And that’s the fellowship experienced with the other Christians;  realising that the things which unite us, particularly in the church, are more important than the things which differ, i.e. denomination; and thirdly was the importance and spiritual guidance I found on the quiet day.’

: Sue 

‘The eventual shape of the week with days out and also days in, has brought a very valuable balance to my pilgrimage.’ 

‘Most significant memory for me has to be sharing the Eucharist and the communion of Saints, past and present.’

: Peter

Lastingham was my highlight. Going into that holy place, which was full of prayer, was a spiritual experience

: Margaret Hayes

A letter at Lindisfarne from a church in Norway describing how their ancestors were changed by the power of the gospel. '...Pilgrimage is said to be the move towards a sanctuary with the openness to be changed.'

: Pete & Margaret

The most uplifting thing about the week has been the services in the college chapel. Especially the Eucharist on saturday and complained

: Mary

I have been to Durham Cathedral several times and I am always moved by its beauty and give thanks for our ancestors who created such a building. The witness is an example to us all.

: Mary

The joy of the pilgrimage has been spending time in the company of a diverse and inspiring group of fellow pilgrims. Our journeys together have brought spiritual refreshment. Thank you LTG

: Revd. Patrick Sherring

Celebratory early morning communion at St. Cuthbert's shine in Durham Cathedral was a time when I felt truly connected to the Celtic Spirituality.

The peace and quiet of compline in the company of like minded pilgrims was a very special time. After walking in the footsteps of the Saints and listening to our knowledgeable and enthusiastic speakers that period was a time of feel the presence of God

: Jean Springett

Moments of spiritual significance for me were the morning Eucharist and the compline services. Thank you for this truly beautiful time together.

: June Truitt

The spiritual highlight of this journey would be on Holy Island when we gathered around St. Aidens statue and held a simple outdoor service.

: Elizabeth L.

The most meaningful experience for me was the Eucharist and meditation on the Feast of the Transfiguration which we were lucky enough to have during our pilgrimage

: Diane Murfee

It's hard to say what is THE highlight among so many. I settle for the Communion of Saints and I am only just beginning to understand the magnitude of the phrase. -

Whitby was my spiritual touchstone which some how gave me the courage to walk the Pilgrims Way at Holy Island.

: Sue

My thought of what was the most spiritual time during the week was the visit to St Pauls, Jarrow, where we were treated to an incredibly knowledgeable and enthusiastic talk by one of the Church Wardens.

: Gill Lovegrove

For me the crypt chapel at Lastingham was my spiritual highlight. A place where the presence of God was so immediate and overwhelming. Never to be forgotten

: Geoff Lovegrove

Holy Island and Whitby Abbey were so atmospheric they seemed like a dream. The sheer joy and enthusiasm of our Canon guides at York and Ripon was a joy for us, and, for me, the experience of being able to read at Evensong was very special. Other highs were the simplicity of Lastingham, our own Complines in the chapel, worship in the Cathedral, wonderful food, lectures and Rob's beaming face throughout. A truly memorable experience.

: Brenda Phillips

Friday was an inspiring day for me, from the quiet spirituality of Bishopthorpe to the vibrancy of York Minster and onto the dogged witness of Ripon Cathedral. Our guides at York Minster and Ripon exhibited an openness and passion for God.

: David Thomas, London

Our visit to Lastingham was an amazing and profoundly spiritual experience. The silence was tangible and as soon as I sat down near the altar in the crypt and saw the candle burning below Cedd's icon, I felt the presence of God the Holy Spirit and the spirit of Cedd enfold and encompass me.

: Bridget Brooke

Arriving to a great welcome a St.John's College. What a privilege to be staying within a few quiet and peaceful steps of the magnificent Durham Cathedral.

: Jan, Sussex

The inspirational highlight of the Celtic Saints tour was partaking in our service at the foot of St Aidan's statue shrouded in the Celtic mists of Lindisfarne, with the sheltered priory silhouetted behind us. Our group was made up of mainly American priests, three Canadians and ten or so English with church connections but at that time we were one body standing in the footsteps of many pilgrims who had gone before us over the centuries of time. What a wonderful memory to take home.

: Mary Withall, Barnes, UK

The highlight of the trip was the first day's lectures by Gavin Wakefield in which the total sweep of Celtic History in Northumbria was illuminated, and followed the next day with John McManners as guide through Holy Island, which brought it to life.

: Anon

The highlight had to be the trip to the Shrine of St.Cedd at Lastingham. Having previously visited that area of North Yorkshire it was interesting to learn of its existence. A must for any pilgrim group travelling round the N.E of England.

: Matt Drummond

A life and faith enhancing week - thank you.

: Margaret George

A long time wish to visit Lindisfarne was fulfilled with the pilgrimage there, and to follow in the footsteps of the Saints was an added bonus.

: Wendy

I found the whole pilgrimage was worthwhile and the fellowship we shared together. I enjoyed the trips to Whitby Abbey, Lindisfarne, Durham Minster, Bishopthorpe Palace and York Minster. The workshops about Celtic Christianity were very informative and it gave me a deeper understanding of the debt we owe to these Celtic saints. The most spiritually uplifting part was the celebration of the Eucharist and being privileged to share Compline with the Sisters, It was sheer delight to hear them singing. The time spent with Mary last thing at night was a lovely spiritual ending to the day for which I am grateful.

I feel Sneaton Castle Centre would be a good place to go on retreat and if I regret anything, it would be that I didn’t spend more of the free time we had in silence and contemplation, my fault, no one else’s.

: Anon

The week for me has been spiritual, thought provoking and emotionally refreshing.
St. Cuthbert has brought comfort to me, as he spent many a hour alone in thought and in prayer. Previously I had always thought of loneliness as scary, but now, I have a different perspective.
To walk in the footsteps of past monks, for me, was very moving and I have to say a privilege. It has helped me to think of their discipline and what must have been a very tough life for them - they had no electricity.
Our two half days that we had to ourselves gave me time to reflect on my life, the way forward and this was certainly helped by our lecture, given by Mary, on Cuthbert and Aidan.
Previously I had no knowledge of the Celts, I didn’t realise that they were spiritual. This week I have come to realise that I would like and intend to follow the Celts in their way of spirituality, to be at one with nature – with God – to become aware of the things that I previously was not aware of - the colour of the flowers, the smell of the rain – but more importantly – slow down, and be at one with myself, and to care and respect every human or animal on God’s earth.
I find the Celtic prayers very meditative and soothing.

: Angela Daysley

The Archbishop's Eucharist and Talk was excellent. And his sharing a meal with us.
Mary’s Complines and also her intercessions on Sunday. The Eucharist, with the Sisters. The visit to Durham Cathedral, Whitby Abbey and York where I enjoyed the time at Bishopthorpe and being free to wander around the Minster.
The fellowship with the rest of the group and the chance to get to know individuals.

: AG

The parts of my visit on the LTG Pilgrimage which I found most moving, were: -
·In the evening during the Compline, listening to the Sisters speaking and singing in the quietness of the church.
· Later in the evening when we all gathered together to hear Mary’s Compline.
· The visit of the Archbishop of York, Dr. David Hope – his celebration of the Eucharist and later his friendly attitude when speaking to everyone.
· His very interesting talk on Celtic Christianity and the saints connected with north eastern England. His description of the beautiful, peaceful chapel at Bishopthorpe Palace, with its stained-glass windows commemorating the lives of the saints.
· His very kind invitation to us all to visit and have a conducted tour around the Palace and providing us all with lunch.
· Our visit to Holy Island and absorbing its peace, serenity and history – imagining we were walking in the footsteps of St. Aidan, St. Cuthbert and the Venerable Bede. Viewing the small St. Cuthbert’s Isle used as a hermitage, where he could cut himself off from the trials of this world and pray to God. If only the stones of the priory could speak.
· On our way back, our visit to the peaceful Bamburgh Church and the Tomb of Grace Darling.
· On a beautiful Sunday afternoon, our visit to the ruins of Whitby Abbey, to learn about the Order and Life of S. Hilda and the Synod of Whitby.
· Our visit to St. John’s College to hear further teaching about Celtic Christianity from Elizabeth Culling, and to have a guided tour around Durham Cathedral – to view its solid Norman architecture and especially the tombs of St. Cuthbert and the Venerable Bede.
· Our final visit to the beautiful York Minster with its huge stained-glass windows which seem to exhibit God’s glory and light in this vast area.
· On our way back to Whitby the clouds and the rain cleared and we saw God’s hand in the beauty of the North Yorkshire Moors.

: Doris Kermeen

This has been a very good week for me, and a very special one. I came with many questions rattling around in my head. I can’t say that I have found the answers, but the week has made me stop and think and has helped me to see things from a better perspective.
Each of the places that we have visited has its own particular feel about it. On Sunday afternoon we wandered round Whitby Abbey in glorious sunshine, each of us able to take it at our own pace. I wonder what it was like during the Winter in Hilda’s time? Pretty bleak!
Lindisfarne – I loved the warm red colour of the stone, the proportions of the rainbow arch, the feeling of security in the parish Church – obviously a place that is much loved and cared for.
Durham – solid and enduring, reminding us of the permanence of the Church and our faith. The continuity of prayer and worship – they have already celebrated their millennium, as we celebrate ours in Abbots Bromley.
York – the Archbishop’s Chapel, with its collection of stained-glass saints, and its austerity. A place of continuing prayer. And then the Minster – so beautifully proportioned, with its fine perpendicular pillars, the lovely light coloured stone, so that even today it seemed to be full of sunshine.
The chapel here at S. Hilda’s Priory – good modern design – very simple, but with a certain dignity. At the Eucharist on Sunday morning we were made to feel welcome, and it was good to share with the Sisters and their friends.
We have had good clear background talks from Liz Culling, Mary and the Archbishop. All of them – but Mary in particular – have challenged us and given us much to think about.
But most of all I have appreciated the times of prayer that we have shared – the Eucharist, Compline with the Sisters, our own evening prayers and our prayers beside the statue of St. Aidan at Lindisfarne. Mary’s intercessions at the Eucharist on Wednesday. Thank you for leading our prayers, Mary, and for all the thought and care that you put into them.
I have appreciated the company and support of the group – we have all very quickly become friends.
So I go home with a selection of books to read, much to think and pray about, a renewed sense of the need for silence and solitude and time to think and pray, and new hope for the future.

: Grace

  

Overall planning for the week admirable allowing valuable time for leisure, recreation and relaxing.
Spiritual - Chapel services fitted in well with the theme of our pilgrimages. Compline was a meaningful highlight and clearly satisfying to all our members. This was a challenge for self-examination.
Leadership - How fortunate to have a natural leader! A sheep enjoying being led under her watchful eye and quick humour.
The Pilgrimage - An overall success!

: Cyril

Spiritual Impact of Summer Seaside Pilgrimage:
Services in the chapel with the Sisters.
Definitely a spiritual plus and especially Compline and the silences reflecting at the close of the day.
Sunday, Whitby Abbey
Even though commercialised and very electronified by English Heritage - good preparation for the week – we learned what to look for in an abbey site – the details of monastic life etc.
Monday. – Lindisfarne
Very much a spiritual impact – “The stones cry aloud.”
Lectures by Elizabeth Culling
Interesting and helpful. The booklet “What is Celtic Christianity” I found a bit “heavy going” initially but after some study of the saints it fitted into place well.
Wednesday. – Archbishop’s Eucharist and Workshop
Excellent all round, especially putting the saint’s importance across for today and telling us where to see them in the Chapel on Friday.
Thursday. – Durham
Tombs of St. Cuthbert and the Venerable Bede very spiritual, also St. Cuthbert’s relics in the treasury – especially his cross.
Friday. – Bishopthorpe – York
Bishopthorpe Chapel was very spiritual. Sorry we didn’t have more time there or for viewing the gardens. Lunch in the private room made us feel welcome and “wanted”.
York Minster was an awesome building, but it was too busy to concentrate on spiritual matters.

: Anon

The parts I found spiritually uplifting were: -
1. The time spent in the Chapel
2. The service and talk done by the Archbishop.
3. I found Mary Steel’s workshop very thought provoking and beneficial.
4. I also greatly enjoyed the visits to Holy Island, but I thought they were a bit too short to do them justice.
5. The venue was very uplifting.

: Rosalind

Worship.
The peace and serenity of the Sisters' Compline I found moving and restoring. I must think of coming back whenever I feel the need.
The Group Prayers.
What a wonderful idea after a busy day – peace and quiet with your lovely readings. It is the only time that we as a group have done something together without others. It made me feel we were binding together.
The visits.
Durham stirred so many happy memories standing near the north door and gazing down the nave. The height, the beauty “Oh for the wings of a dove”.

: Muriel

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