You don’t have to travel far and wide to make a pilgrimage. Our new ‘Urban Pilgrimage’ experience in the Celtic tradition makes discoveries on our doorstep in the heart of the city of Cardiff.
“You may have a highly polished shoe but your footsteps are no grander than those made by a barefoot man.”
So goes an ancient Christian Celtic proverb. The Celtic Saints travelled well, pushing out across land and sea, often in search of solitude, sharing the good news of Christ as they went.
But they also knew how to be still, rooted in the landscape, creating community, discovering God in their surroundings, in their daily activities, and in the beauty of Creation.
They worked with the landscape of which they were a part, labouring with love. They embraced the terrain. They were part of the scenery whether it was mountain or meadow, a woodland or an island retreat.
Each piece of ground for them was holy ground.
So many of those Celtic saints left their mark on the land. For some, their names were defined the place that they – and we – have called home.
Familiar features
Whilst many of us make pilgrimage to places far away, the place we call home is calling out to be discovered. The familiar features of our landscape can often hide secret treasures. Hidden away and out of place, we can make pilgrimage through the parks and streets, between the buildings and high rise flats, and encounter God in the everyday sights and sounds.
As soon as we cross our doorstep, a pilgrimage has begun.
“Whilst many of us make pilgrimage to places far away, the place we call home is calling out to be discovered”
This year, we launched our pilgrimages to the island of Flat Holm, a place sought out by St Cadoc, fifteen hundred years ago. Whilst the island is situated within the ancient parish boundaries of St Mary’s it is often elusive, and remains just a distant sight for many. It takes an hour’s crossing by boat – which may put off some potential pilgrims!
This year, we launched our pilgrimages to the island of Flat Holm in the Bristol Channel
However, as well as offering this Island pilgrimage opportunity, we are planning pilgrimages closer to home, right here on our doorstep in the heart of Cardiff, the capital city of Wales.
Everyday demands
Whilst the post-industrial landscape of a former docklands may not necessarily cry out with the opportunity for pilgrimage, like the Celtic saints before us we can find God rooted in the landscape, and present in our everyday demands and activities.
Even within the urban landscape, nature can thrive – if given a chance – and it’s within God’s creation (and as part of this creation) that Cadoc and all the Celtic Saints experienced so intensely the presence of God.
Our “on shore” pilgrimages in the Celtic and catholic tradition will begin at St Mary’s Church in Butetown for Mass and the Blessing of Pilgrims. We will stop along the way for particular times of prayer and ministry – as well as for well earned refreshments!
You can bring your own drinks and food or make the most of the many cafes, shops and restaurants along the route.
To make the most of the pilgrimage it’s suggested you purchase our Celtic pilgrimage manual (£5 each) which is filled with specially written prayers and liturgies in the Celtic tradition, and which we will use along the way.
As part of the pilgrimage, we may also make a crossing across the flat water of Cardiff Bay from Penarth to Mermaid Quay (which costs £6.20 – card payments only – paid direct to the company)
Walking across Cardiff Barrage we will be able to see Flat Holm (on a fine day!) and will be the closest on land that we can get to the island!
A Great Equaliser
Someone recently described their pilgrimage to the Shrine of Our Lady of Walsingham as “a great equaliser.” He went on to say that each pilgrim was so different “but we all have this one thing in common.”
It’s the same with any pilgrimage. A community is created, and our diverse and varied lives, for a little while, become intertwined like Celtic knot-work.
When we make pilgrimage together, each of our footsteps, whether we wear well polished shoes or tread barefoot, is no grander or poorer than anyone else’s.
So why not join us?
You too can discover a pilgrimage experience with a difference. Here, on our doorstep, we can encounter God. Here, through the streets, each step can be a prayer, each movement a miracle or a moment of meaning.
Each Urban Pilgrimage will begin with Mass at St Mary’s Church (Butetown, Cardiff) and we will be publishing details of dates soon.
We can also organise bespoke pilgrimages for particular groups – so please get in touch if you’d like to explore this.
The walking distance is approximately 3.5 – 4 miles on the flat and, depending on stops, takes approximately 2- 3 hours (although this time can vary depending on the particular pilgrims taking part, and each pilgrimage will also take a slightly different route. We move as slow as the slowest pilgrim!
Sometimes we will take in the Cardiff Wetlands, at other times we will wind our way through the nature filled canals of Atlantic Wharf. Each pilgrimage will walk the pavements and the built environment and also explore the beauty of God’s creation.
The first Urban Pilgrimage takes place on Saturday 16 September 2023 beginning at St Mary’s Church at 1130am
To book your place or for more details, contact Fr Dean Atkins (mobile: 07368176300 or email: deanjatkins@outlook.com)
South Cardiff Ministry Area 