To be a pilgrim......

The British Museum has an amazing exhibition about the Hajj, the pilgrimage to Mecca that all able-bodied Muslims have the obligation to undertake during their lifetime. The act of journeying with up to three million fellow pilgrims is a remarkable experience, as attested on the museum web site by many who describe experiences of unity, humility and peace.

Pilgrimage has a long tradition within historic Christianity. Many of the ancient holy places in Britain, such as Walsingham, Canterbury and Lindisfarne, attracted pilgrims in the Middle Ages who would undertake long and sometimes dangerous journeys to pray at a particular shrine.

I think pilgrimage for Christians still has its place. During this season of Lent there is a chance to make a pilgrimage in Bowdon Parish Church. During Holy Week we re-enact the drama of Jesus's arrival in Jerusalem on Palm Sunday, the Last Supper with the disciples on Thursday evening, his waiting and praying in Gethsemane on Easter Thursday night until midnight. On Good Friday afternoon, a full-sized cross is carried up the aisle and we reflect on what the crucifixion of Jesus really meant. We can take a stone and place it at the foot of the cross. It could represent a sin that we regret, a burden we are carrying or a dream we are offering to God. Easter Saturday is the most dramatic service of all—the Easter fire, the procession of the Easter candle in total darkness, the renewal of baptism promises and the celebration of the first communion of Easter. The choir will be with us throughout the journey, with reflective, narrative and celebratory music.

Ideally all Christians in Bowdon would see it as their duty and joy to experience this pilgrimage at St Mary's or at another church. This is how we grow in faith, understanding and experience of God. This is how we identify as a Christian people.

And for those who long for something more like the Hajj, there will be a parish pilgrimage to the Holy Land in January 2013—eight days to walk in the paths of Jesus, exploring the places of his birth, childhood, teaching, death and resurrection.

Roger Preece, Vicar of Bowdon