Father David Williams, recently appointed as Vicar for Llanddewi Rhydderch, Llansantffraed and the Bryn, started his first summer with a Ministry Area Pilgrimage on 7th July. David embarks on a walking pilgrimage each year and this summer was joined by members from across the Ministry Area. The trip of course, landed on the hottest week of the year, with temperatures soaring to well above 31◦c! The group had their work cut out to try and stay cool as well as hydrated as they progressed towards St David’s Cathedral. A hearty well-done to all those pilgrims who walked part or all of the journey walked by so many Christians before.
“Following in the footsteps of previous pilgrims, who either came by sea or on foot, a group of 12 pilgrims from our Ministry Area and further afield walked all or part of the way from Tenby and Caldey Island to St Davdi’s Cathedral. As seen in the pictures, our first stop was morning prayer in St Illtyd’s Church, on Caldey Island, and from there we walked (together with boat crossings to Caldey Island and to Skomer Island) to St David’s Cathedral, where we received a warm welcome from Bishop Dorrien Davies and the Cathedral staff.
Together with other pilgrims, we gathered each day to share the day together. To pray and to walk, and to share stories with one another. To laugh, to listen, and to inspire each other, and, most of all, to let God speak to us. We also experienced one of the hottest weeks in Wales as we went along, which meant that finding shelter from the sun was often welcome. And along the way, we had some very special moments as we gathered for prayer in ancient Churches, dedicated to the early Welsh saints.
Pilgrims have been visiting the shrine since it was built shortly after St David’s death, and is situated behind the high altar. The pilgrimage was made even more popular in 1123, when Pope Callixtus II wrote a document of recognition stating that two pilgrimages to St David’s were considered equal to one to Rome! We all had such a special time, despite choosing to walk in a week what turned out to be a heat wave in Wales, and one couple who were walking for those struggling with Parkinsons raised over £2,000! For further information, do write to revdavidgwilliams@gmail.com, and do watch this space for details of next summer’s pilgrimage!
Father David Williams