A guide to the Lenten Pilgrimage to Llangennith
What?
A pilgrimage in Gower. Open to everyone. Free of charge.
When?
Saturday 26th March. Starting at 11am, the pilgrimage will finish with a Eucharist at around 2.30pm. Coaches will depart by 4pm.
Where?
We will gather at St Cenydd's Church, Llangennith (pictured above). The mid-point of the pilgrimage is the ancient monastic island of Bury Holms (pictured below), home of the sixth century hermit, St Cenydd. The 4.5 mile route takes in stunning coastline, one of Britain’s most beautiful beaches, and a llama farm!
Who?
This is open to anyone! Christian or not, young and old.
It is a chance to meet together and walk in the footsteps of one of our local saints.
Those who can are encouraged to walk the 4.5 mile route. Those who feel unable to tackle the full distance will be able to travel by coach most of the way between the two points, meaning that there is only a short walk along flat sand to reach Bury Holms. If you wish to simply spend a day in Llangennith, joining in opening prayers and the closing eucharist, that’s good too.
The pilgrimage will be led jointly by the Rev’d Sam Aldred, a curate in Swansea, and Canon Mark Clavier of Brecon Cathedral. Bishop John Lomas will be joining, and we hope that many from all across the diocese and even further afield will come too.
Why?
A pilgrimage is a journey with spiritual purpose. We will gather as God’s people from across our diocese, confessing our unity as members of God’s holy church. Travelling to the ancient monastic island of Bury Holms reminds us that we are part of a Christian community which has worshipped in this corner of Wales for well over a thousand years. We are inheritors of a tradition that we are entrusted to preserve for future generations.
It reminds us that the Christian faith and indeed life itself is about movement onwards and upwards, always seeking that which is good and which is holy.
How?
Two coaches have been booked. One will depart from St Mary’s Swansea at 10am. The other will leave from Brecon Cathedral at 8.45. There is no charge to travel on these coaches but space is limited, so do book by emailing Fr Sam on s.v.aldred@gmail.com if coming from St Mary’s, or Mark Clavier on rescanon@breconcathedral.org.uk if travelling from Brecon.
If you wish to drive a car then there is some parking near St Cennydd’s church and in the adjacent pub.
Bring a packed lunch and suitable footwear!
I hope that many will be able to join!
Yours in Christ
The Rev’d Sam Aldred