On Saturday, May 23, 2015, about 40 of us from Mayfield Salisbury travelled by coach to Holy Island on a pilgrimage to Lindisfarne. After a brief stop at a cafe for delicious hot scones and coffee, time for a chat and for children to play, we continued our journey. We then stopped on the mainland to allow those who were going to walk the pilgrim way over the sands to Holy Island to leave, while those of us who preferred to attempt shorter walks once on the island were driven across the causeway: careful note having been taken of the tide times to make sure it was safe to do so, Holy Island being a tidal island!
The day was bright and sunny and there were many beautiful walks. Some chose to walk to the harbour, some to the castle, some to the ruins of St Cuthbert’s Priory. Others chose the shore line where there are many quiet stretches of sand and glorious peaceful views. All appreciated the beauty of this very special place, mindful of the words which our minister, Revd Scott McKenna, had written:
‘A Pilgrimage differs from a tour. It is a personal invitation from God, comprised of His offer and dependent upon the pilgrim’s acceptance. God’s call may vary but the purpose remains consistent: it is an individual summons to know God more fully. A pilgrimage is a spiritual journey to which the pilgrim joyfully responds ‘yes’ to God’s invitation.’
The day ended with a short family-friendly celebration of Holy Communion led by Scott in St Mary’s Parish Church, where we were joined by others who were visiting the church and stayed to pray with us.
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Lord, open my eyes to the wonder of the world and Your presence within it.
Lord open my ears to the calls of creation and to Your voice quiet and near.
Lord open my heart to the love of others and to Your love close and real.
Lord open each sense and make me aware of the wonder and beauty always there.
There are further photographs of our Lindisfarne pilgrimage in the Gallery.
