The Cornish Celtic Catholic Way
It is wonderful to see your native country afresh through the eyes of a thoughtful and friendly stranger, so I was delighted when Frans A Vossenberg contacted me from the USA. Frans had walked the Rev Nigel Marn's Cornish Celtic Way with his family in August 2023, adapting it for their shared Catholic faith and interests.
Frans has now contributed a collection of his daily reflections from the pilgrimage. The descriptions include the ups and downs of the journey (literally and metaphorically), practical notes for pilgrims, and historical background. Most importantly there are the prayers, practices and reflections that sustained the pilgrims on their way and deepened their experience. He is prepared to address controversial issues head on, such as whether to spread jam or clotted cream to your scone first. Brave indeed!
I hope you enjoy the collection of reflections as much as I have They can be downloaded from the Introduction tab of this webpage.
You can find out more about the route here.
Phil McCarthy, project lead
Welcome! – (Dynnargh Dhis!)
This pilgrimage collection documents our family’s Catholic adaptation of Rev. Nigel Marns' Cornish Celtic Way (CCW). The 157-mile pilgrim path includes major parts of the Cornish Celtic Way, the Southwest Coast Path, the Saints Way and St. Michael's Way. It extends west along the south coast from St. Germans, across the peninsula from Fowey to Padstow, down the Atlantic Coast to St. Ives and then across West Penwith to St. Michael's Mount.
Our adaptation emphasizes Holy Wells, Celtic Crosses, Church Sanctuary 'Champing' and Catholic Spirituality. We have added detours to St. Keyne, St. Austell, St. Michael's Chapel at Roche Rock, St. Gundred's Well and Tintagel. Also included here is a rest day at Padstow (for an excursion to St. Materiana's Church, St. Piran's Chapel/Well and St. Nectan's waterfall in Trethevy) as well as a day of rest in St. Ives. We completed the walk from St. Germans to Marazion in two weeks during August 2023.
These daily hikes, pilgrimage practices and spiritual reflections remain respectful of the author, Rev. Marns', mission while orienting it towards a Roman Catholic audience. Our account clearly attributes the spiritual inspiration and the physical route to this Rector of the C of E; multiple links to his book and organization are provided.
The Cornish Celtic Way concept is well conceived and the path of the rural walk excellently executed. The virtue of our adaptation is its demonstration of the ability to take ownership of your own personal camino. Therein lies the hidden value of the Vicar's approach. It is non-judgmental and non-sectarian but still confident in its ability to 'meet people where they are' —just as God does.
Our journey has been outlined in 15 daily itineraries on the Outdoor Active hiking app. Each day includes a map as well as a record of miles walked, hours elapsed and elevations ascended/descended.
Individual segments detail our daily endeavors and review our church visits. Spiritual practices and reflections are included for those who may wish to walk a similar route through Cornwall or indeed on any pilgrimage. Our prayer rubric is attached to the first and last day's itineraries. These intentional habits helped us to maintain spiritual rigor while enjoying Cornwall's delightful scenery, food and people. We continue to receive dividends of grace from this spiritual investment in the churches, towns and byways of Cornwall.
Thank you for reading about our pilgrimage adventure.
Yeghes da! (Cheers!)
Frans A Vossenberg
