Pilgrimage to Canterbury
news: 4 August 2023
Our Pilgrimage to Canterbury on 22 July 2023 was a great success. Thank you to all those pilgrims who joined the Shrine on its pilgrimage.
After a glorious lunch in the Welcome Centre at the shrine of Saint Jude, we caught our bus to Canterbury. Our group then walked to the Cathedral together in prayer and happiness.
At the gates of the Cathedral, we were met by Rev. Diane who welcomed us all to this great cathedral. Rev. Diane led the group to the beautiful chapel to the east of the cathedral.
Mass was celebrated by the Prior Provincial, Fr. Brendan Grady, O.Carm. The petitions from all the friends of Saint Jude who could not join us was laid on the altar by Br. Anthony O'Donnell, O.Carm and our Chaplain, Br. Paul de Groot, O.Carm. Br. Paul then lit the Pilgrimage Candle.
The candle had originally been lit at the Summer Celebration back in May. Matt Betts was able to tell everyone that the candle served as a reminder that each of us remain a pilgrim and that the prayers of all our friends at the Summer Celebration was carried with and symbolised by the candle.
During the Mass, Fr. Brendan asked each of us to be ambassadors of hope for everyone.
Watch the Mass on our video, below:
After Mass, Matt took the pilgrims on a tour of this fabulous cathedral – he showed them the old shrine of Saint Thomas Becket, plus the tombs of the Black Prince and King Henry IV. He talked about the history of Canterbury and about Saint Augustine's mission from the Pope. Afterwards, we enjoyed a coffee and tea in a local cafe.
It was a wonderful pilgrimage to Canterbury.
We would like to thank Fr. Brendan Grady, O.Carm for leading the Pilgrimage; to Br. Paul de Groot, O.Carm; Fr. Ged Walsh, O.Carm; Br. Tony O'Donnell, O.Carm; Br. Matthew Janvier, O.Carm for joining us and for all their help; Mrs Terri Betts for all her help with the day; and Mr. John Toryusen for all the photographs and for his help beforehand and during the day. Finally, we are all very grateful to everyone at the Cathedral who enabled us to visit, including Kallie and Rev. Diane.
Saint Jude, pray for us. Saint Thomas Becket, pray for us.