Lindisfarne pilgrimage 2008

Saturday 28th June

Around 550 supporters joined us for our fifth annual pilgrimage to Holy Island on Saturday 28 June. The pilgrimage began with Celtic prayer on the beach which was held in glorious sunshine in the early afternoon. Pilgrims were then free to explore the island. Many chose to visit St Aidan's Catholic Church where there was an exhibition about the work of AOS. Chaplains and ship visitors were also onhand to talk about our ministry to seafarers.

The pilgrimage culminated with an open air Mass celebrating the Feast of St Peter and St Paul. The celebrant was the Bishop of Middlesborough Terence Drainey. He was assisted by five other priests including AOS trustee Mgr Ronnie Brown. Weather conditions during Mass were described as "blustery" but otherwise dry.

The pilgrimage began with Celtic prayer on the beach

 

Mgr Brown and Bishop Terence

Final blessing after open air Mass

Numbers attending the AOS Holy Island pilgrimage grow year on year. This year we were delighted to welcome coach parties from parishes in South Shields, Tow Law, Blyth, Sunderland, Penshaw and Middlesbrough as well as the many pilgrims who travelled independently from as far away as Liverpool.

One pilgrim commented

"This is my first visit to Holy Island and I am delighted to have shared in such a wonderful occasion and Mass, with so many people, in a truly spiritual setting, and to learn more about the work of the AOS. It is definitely my intention to return next year".

The date for next year’s pilgrimage has already been set as Saturday 27 June 2009.

For further information please contact Tony McAvoy, AOS regional co-ordinator for NE England on 0771 392 4504

click here to read about the AOS GB Lindisfarne pilgrimage 2007