At 1pm, we were met by our coach. The coach took us along the old pilgrimage route from Faversham via Harbledown, and then we reached the Westgate of Canterbury.
We arrived at the Cathedral just before 2pm, and were welcomed by two vergers and Fr Jim Rosenthal.
Mass was celebrated in the beautiful crypt - the first location of the Shrine of Saint Thomas Becket before it was moved upstairs.
Fr Kevin Alban celebrated Mass with Fr Ged Walsh proclaiming the Gospel. Christine Duckworth-Patterson read the first reading.
Afterwards, we joined many other people in the Evensong celebration, and enjoyed the most beautiful singing and music. This was followed by prayer at the former shrine of Saint Thomas Becket which is overlooked by the tombs of the Black Prince and King Henry IV of England.
Once we caught our coach from outside the city walls, the pilgrimage got back to Faversham and stopped at the beautiful Saint Mary's Church in the town. We were welcomed by Catriona Cuthbert, the Parish Administrator who told us about the history of this beautiful church.
We have a wonderful day. Thank you to all the pilgrims who joined us; thank you too to Fr Kevin Alban, Prior Provincial for leading, and to Fr Ged Walsh and Br Tony O'Donnell for joining us. We prayed for all friends of Saint Jude today and left the intentions at the Shrine.
Saint Jude, pray for us. Saint Thomas of Canterbury, pray for us.
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