Special blessing for The Journey’s first pilgrims

Special blessing for The Journey’s first pilgrims

1 September 2021

THE Dean of Down and the Parish Priest of Downpatrick gave a blessing to the first twelve pilgrims to complete The Journey, a new five-day experience offered by the Saint Patrick Centre.

The Very Rev Henry Hull and the Very Rev John Murray addressed the pilgrims at Down Cathedral and St Patrick’s Church in the town, sharing the story of St Patrick.

Dean Hull explained the history of Down Cathedral and the connection to Patrick. “This is now a shared space for all people,” he said. “All are welcome to come and discover this beautiful cathedral and its history.”

Fr Murray welcomed the pilgrims to Saul as well as St Patrick’s Church where he showed them the striking mosaics of St Patrick’s life, expressing his delight to see the twelve.

“I’m impressed to see that you came from so many different places to hear about St Patrick,” he told them.

Two of the pilgrims were from the United States, four from England, two from Northern Ireland and four from the Republic of Ireland.

Each pilgrim, led by pilgrim guides Elaine Kelly and Martina Purdy, rang St Bronagh’s ancient bell at Rostrevor and walked around 25 miles  in total along St Patrick’s Way in Rostrevor, Newcastle, Ardglass and Downpatrick. The pilgrims also spent a few hours canoeing along the Quoile River and picnicking at Inch Abbey.

Along the way, the pilgrims received every day a little scroll from Saint Patrick’s Confession, made by Downpatrick graphic artist Sinead McLaughlin.

“The Journey experience has proven to be a great success,” said Dr Tim Campbell, St Patrick Centre director. “The pilgrims left rejoicing, having travelled many miles in Co Down, often on foot, in the steps of St Patrick.

“The concept of The Journey — a chance to unwind, meditate and retreat from life’s pressures — was conceived before lockdown and has been in development for more than a year.

“We are now able to offer this experience in October 5-9 and already have bookings for March 2022.” 

The pilgrims stayed at Tobar Mhuire Retreat Centre in Crossgar where they learned about Celtic spirituality and meditation, and how to journal.

The experience also included a visit to Holy Cross Abbey at Rostrevor, where they were welcomed and blessed by Abbot Mark Ephem and Brother Thierry.