An Ecumenical and Interfaith Walking Pilgrimage in Cardiff

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An Ecumenical and Interfaith Walking Pilgrimage in Cardiff

Phil McCarthy • Mar 15, 2024

I was delighted to to be asked to lead a pilgrimage walk on 14th March 2024 between the Anglican Llandaff Cathedral and the Catholic Metropolitan Cathedral of St David in Cardiff. The pilgrimage was organised by the Catholic Bishops' Conference of England & Wales in collaboration with the Archdiocese of Cardiff, the Church in Wales and the Diocese of Llandaff.

We gathered as members of different churches and faiths in St David's Chapel at Llandaff Cathedral. Following a blessing we set off, grateful that the steady rain had abated. The route we followed is part of the longer Way of Our Lady of the Valleys which follows the Penrhys Pilgrimage Way from Llandaff Cathedral to the Shrine of Our Lady of Penrhys and then crosses the mountains to the Shrine to Our Lady in Abercynon,

We walked along the east bank of the fast flowing River Taff south through Bute park, passing the ruins of Blackfriars Friary. The friary was founded in 1256 as one of two Dominican communities in Wales. In 1538, following Henry VIII’s break with the Catholic Church, the Friary was appropriated by the state and the buildings demolished. Today they are a reminder and a warning of the consequences of division.

We were welcomed into St David's Cathedral and gave thanks for the fellowship we had experienced on our short pilgrimage. Archbishop Mark O'Toole reflected that we had started the walk as individuals, some were old friends and some were strangers, but along the way we had become companions.

The Cross of Wales was received into St David's Cathedral for the first time. It is a gift from King Charles III to the people of Wales and contains two splinters of the True Cross given to him by Pope Francis. It is a beautifully crafted symbol of unity made from recycled Welsh silver bullion. It is inscribed with words from the last sermon of St David, the patron saint of Wales:

"Byddwch lawen. Cadwch y ffydd. Gwnewch y Pethau Bychain”, which translates into English as: “Be joyful. Keep the faith. Do the little things.”

Our pilgrimage was just over three miles long, only a little thing in terms of distance, but it had been a joyful celebration of the diverse faiths of all who took part, walking together in unity and friendship.

Photography credits to Marcin Mazur

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