IN A couple of weeks, I’m going with a small group to Sarria in northern Spain.
It’s a pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela, the reputed site of the tomb of St James the Apostle, patron saint of pilgrims.
And we’ll do it on foot.
Why would we do this in the 21st century?
Why walk?
Why not go by car, or train?
Because walking is slow, meditative, calming.
In a world full of noise and bustle, walking allows us to look around, take in the sounds, smells and colours of our world, and to see God’s creation in all its wonder.
Christians have been walking on pilgrimages for hundreds of years.
It was the way ordinary people could afford to visit holy sites.
The rich rode horses or took carriages, but walking was for everyone.
All that was needed was a pair of boots.
Staying in religious houses on the way, pilgrims would travel to honour their dead, atone for a sin, escape the plague-ridden towns and cities of Europe, and walk purposefully for God.
Our reasons for next week’s pilgrimage are similar: reconnecting to God through slow, quiet, meditative walking, following a centuries-old path, remembering those who have gone before us, and holding in our hearts those we’ve lost.
For ten days we’ll connect in spirit all who have walked the Way of St James through the ages.
For ten days we’ll walk with God, and marvel at his creation.
Penny Wallace is a member of the congregation at St Paul’s, which meets on Sundays at 9.30am.
For information, visit: spauls.co.uk
