Corpus Christi PILGRIMAGE to St James’ Church, Reading
A Portsmouth diocesan Shrine Church with a designated Holy Door
On this Corpus Christi Feast Day, we were blessed with good weather - dry and warm without the intense heat of the previous few days.
The Pilgrims set out on their journeys from various places, displaying their pilgrim flags:
· Corpus Christi Paris Church, Wokingham - the Long Walk (Graham)
· St Andrew’s, Sonning - the Scenic Walk (Cathy)
· Thames Valley Park - the shorter scenic walk and not so easy parking as a regatta was in full swing
· The Cunning Man Burghfield following the R Kennet on the St James’ Camino Ingles in the opposite direction! (Stefan)
· Reading Railway Station or bus stops - the Shortest and most convenient route (Ann)
· Corpus Christi and then from Winnersh Crossroads - the Cycle option (Ann)
Pilgrims of Hope
We all journeyed on via our various routes, being chatty with each other and reflective with short stops. Graham had pre-arranged for his group to have a comfort break at the church Hall at Our Lady of Peace in Earley. It was very welcome.
The cyclists arrived in Reading first and went to meet those arriving by train.
A short service of reflection on HOPE was held within the walls of the abbey Chapter House with prayers, singing and listening to some thoughts from Pope Francis.
Confessions were available before and afterwards with Canon Simon and Father Chris Heaps, parish priest at St James’.
Other parishioners joined us outside the main door of St James’, welcomed by Canon Simon, where we recited the Jubilee Prayer of Hope before 120 pilgrims entered the Holy Door to celebrate the Mass for Corpus Christi.