As she prepares to take on the role of the 106th Archbishop of Canterbury, Dame Sarah Mullally is embarking on a spiritually significant journey. Her pilgrimage from London to Canterbury is a unique endeavor in modern times, designed to ready her for the responsibilities of her new position.
The 140-kilometer journey, beginning Tuesday and concluding on Sunday, March 22, precedes her installation at Canterbury Cathedral on March 25. This event coincides with a contentious vote in the House of Lords regarding abortion laws, drawing some criticism from pro-life advocates.
This pilgrimage serves as a spiritual preparation for her forthcoming public service within the Church of England and the broader Anglican Communion. Dame Sarah, newly confirmed as Archbishop at St Paul’s Cathedral, will journey along the historic Becket Camino, accompanied by her husband, Eamonn.
The route incorporates paths such as the Thames Path, Via Britannica, and Augustine Camino, reflecting both the ancient tradition of pilgrimage and her transition from Bishop of London to Archbishop of Canterbury.
Throughout the pilgrimage, she plans to engage in Morning and Evening Prayer at various churches, cathedrals, and abbeys, and to interact with fellow pilgrims, visit schools, and connect with ecumenical groups. In her statement, she expressed her eagerness to meet, pray, and listen to their stories.
Key stops include Southwark Cathedral, Rochester Cathedral, Lesnes Abbey, Aylesford Priory, and the Shrine of St Jude in Faversham. The final segment of the pilgrimage will see Dean of Canterbury David Monteith and members of the cathedral chapter joining Dame Sarah from Chartham to Canterbury, where she is expected to arrive in time for Evensong on Sunday.
Students from Ospringe Church of England Primary School in Faversham have crafted a pilgrim’s passport for the journey, while prayer cards featuring a prayer penned by students from The Archbishop’s School in Canterbury will be distributed.
Archbishop Mullally remarked, “As I prepare for my installation at Canterbury Cathedral, it feels deeply humbling to be following in the footsteps of those who have walked this ancient route.” She continued, “As I walk this path I will be praying for our Church and our world, and asking God to bless those we meet.”
Canterbury Cathedral’s Pilgrim Officer, Torin Brown, commented, “Pilgrimage is a wonderful outward encounter with new places and people, but for me the inward journey of spiritual improvement is equally inevitable to such an endeavour.”
Richard Braddy, Chaplain to the Archbishop of Canterbury, noted that the walk would ground the upcoming installation in prayer and engagement, with churches, schools, and other groups participating along the route.
He mentioned that daily themes and prayers would be shared on social media, offering others a chance to engage in the pilgrimage spiritually. “I am looking forward personally to take time to experience God’s presence on this pilgrimage,” he said.
This pilgrimage follows Dame Sarah’s formal confirmation at St Paul’s Cathedral, during which she raised the Primatial Cross, a symbol of her authority as Primate. Her forthcoming installation on March 25, the Feast of the Annunciation, will formally commence her ministry as diocesan bishop of Canterbury and Primate of All England, honoring both the historical and contemporary facets of the Church of England.
This article was originally written by www.christiantoday.com
