How did we begin? The idea of starting a pilgrimage club in our new Benefice was born in November 2018 when a few of us were to go on the pilgrimage to the Holy Land. The pilgrimage never happened as the Monarch Airline died, but the idea of starting the pilgrimage club survived and is still very much alive. Even the Covid-19 has not destroyed it. The pilgrimage to the Holy Land eventually took place in February 2019 and three months later, 90 people from many different corners of the Benefice of Whorlton went on a walking pilgrimage of 'Unity and Thanksgiving' visiting and praying in all eight churches of the newly erected Benefice of Whorlton. It ended in our ancient church of the Holy Cross in Whorlton. Below are pictures from our past pilgrimages. |
What is pilgrimage?
There are many answers to this question, but the most common one is if we say that this is a journey or, even a holy journey, with purpose to reach holy or wholesome or just special places. The most popular pilgrimage is done on foot, but it can also be taken on bikes, by cars or even planes.
Pilgrims of Unity and Thanksgiving for Creating the New Benefice of Whorlton - 5 May 2019
People have made pilgrimage to very different places and it is a very popular form of spiritual exercise in almost every religion, but also among people who have no religious background or connection.
Pilgrimage of Thanksgiving and Unity across All Parishes of Whorlton Benefice on 5 May 2019
Pilgrimage of Thanksgiving and Unity across All Parishes of Whorlton Benefice on 5 May 2019
Who are we today?
The Holyrood Pilgrims of Whorlton Benefice is a group of Christians living within six parishes of the Whorlton Benefice in the Church of England. However, we invite people from other Parishes or Churches who wish to walk and pray with us. We are also happy to invite people with no Church affiliation or religious faith who would like to explore with us searching for God and meaning of life. We believe that we all are pilgrims in need of searching who we are and what our destiny is. Every pilgrimage is this mysterius act of search, which may help us find the meaning of life.
Pilgrimage 'Come and See' to the Shrine of Our Lady of Osmotherley in March 2020
Our Benefice was created in the 31 October 2019, but some members of our Club made already a few significant pilgrimages.
1) Pilgrimage to the Holy Land (Israel) in February 2019
2) Pilgrimage of Thanksgiving and Unity for Creating the Benefice of Whorlton in May 2019
3) Pilgrimage 'Come & See' to the Shrine of Our Lady of Grace in Osmotherley in March 2020
4) Pilgrimage along St Cuthbert's Way from Scotland to the Holy Island in England in September 2020
Following the pilgrimage path of St Cuthbert on the way to the Holy Island, Lindisfarne - September 2020
If you wish to turn your walks into a pilgrimage, please join us. At the beginning you need to set your private ‘intention’ and to dedicate your journey to something that you want help yourself or others, or for which you want to give thanks.
Pilgrimage is for everyone, promoting holistic wellbeing via pilgrim practices and connecting you with yourself, others, nature and everything beyond, but first of all with God.
Following the pilgrimage path of St Cuthbert on the way to the Holy Island, Lindisfarne - September 2020
Pilgrimage to the Holy Land (Israel): 11-22 February 2019