Picture by Keith Mindham
Every year, both Bishops undertake a pilgrimage throughout our diocese, this gives an opportunity to meet with congregation members, ministers and church officers in all parishes. Traveling 10 or so miles per day the Bishops meet people on route, walk with people as well as visit businesses and charities along the way. As Bishop Martin said last year:
"We are always struck by the passion and commitment with which people are using their gifts and skills to provide high quality services for people in Suffolk and further afield. Once again, this year’s pilgrimage unearthed real talent in the countryside. For the third consecutive year Bishop Mike and myself walked together in our Lent Pilgrimage. We wanted to meet new and different audiences while providing access to ourselves which helps to enrich our understanding of what it is like for those living and working in Suffolk today. Yet again we found men, women, boys and girls of all ages wanting to walk by our side and chat about their lives. We found this humbling in that they wanted to share their trials and tribulations, their joys and disappointments with us. It was indeed a privilege for us to be part of their day and to be part of their memories as we held wide-ranging discussions". Bishop Martin.
In 2020 the Bishops' are planning to do their Pilgrimage as part of the Cathedral 1000 celebrations. They are walking as did the Benedictine monks from Chevington to the Cathedral on the 30 May (unfortunately cancelled due to the coronavirus) and from Rougham to the Cathedral on 22 August. For further information please visit the Cathedral 'What's on' page.
Previous Pilgrimages have been from Southwold to Stowmarket in 2019, Bures to St Edmundsbury Cathedral in 2018 and Dunwich to Drinkstone in 2017.