This weekend marks the start of the school summer holidays for many people, the
origins of which have long been the subject of myth. The word ‘holiday’ is derived from
‘holy day’, of which there are many in the Christian calendar. Holy days were important
parts of medieval life as they often meant time off work to observe and celebrate the
festivals. The concept of going away for a holiday did exist in the past, but usually in
the form of pilgrimage to other parts of the UK, or overseas. Historically, pilgrimage was
largely considered as a demonstration of piety, however, this was not always the case,
with some people taking part in order to explore new places, meet new people and have
fun, as many people do on holidays today.
Today, many people are choosing ‘stay-cations’, rather than going away for the holidays.
Pilgrimage is about journey; a physical journey involving some effort, individually or in a
group, as well as a spiritual journey. It is something you can do from home visiting local
churches, natural beauties like ancient yew trees, sources of water and monuments,
walking along natural paths trod for centuries. Pilgrimage walking routes around the
Diocese of Worcester are available on our website:
www.cofe-worcester.org.uk/faith-and-life/spiritua…
Please pray for all those taking a holiday,
or making a pilgrimage over the summer
period, that they might stay safe, rest,
recuperate and most of all, enjoy
themselves!
Kidderminster Deanery – Rural Dean: Tim
Williams; Lay Chair: Bernard Watkins
Skara (Sweden): Bishop Åke Bonnier
Leeds: Bishop Nick Baines with Bishops
Tony Robinson (Wakefeld), Helen-Ann
Hartley (Ripon), Toby Howarth (Bradford),
Jonathan Gibbs (Huddersfeld)
& Paul Slater (Leeds)
L’Eglise Anglicane au Rwanda: Archbishop Laurent Mbanda