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A Pilgrimage from Lichfield to Chester

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A Pilgrimage from Lichfield to Chester The Two Saints Way – a pilgrimage from Lichfield to Chester avid Pott, a former teacher, long-distance walker, local me at [email protected] and I'll send you a copy of our Cathedrals, local tourist boards and councils. history enthusiast and a Christian has found a way to brochure. Also, the website is up now www.twosaintsway.org.uk The Revd Dr Pete Wilcox, Canon Chancellor at Lichfield cDombine all his interests by working on a project to create a “In conjunction with my walk we are starting something called Cathedral said in a letter: pilgrimage trail – The Two Saints Way. “Friends of the Two Saints Way”. If you'd like to become a friend “Lichfield Cathedral only exists because of the tradition of The two saints referred to in the title are St Chad and St and be kept in touch with future developments, please email me pilgrimage associated with St Chad. We are therefore Werburgh, who brought Christianity to the then pagan kingdom of and let me know which of these two emails groups you'd like to enthusiastic in support of David Pott’s initiative to develop a Mercia in the seventh century. St Chad's shrine is at Lichfield and belong to – they will come about five times a year: contemporary pilgrimage route along the Two Saints Way. St Werburgh's shrine is at Chester. Either Group A Regular News Updates or Group B Regular The first cathedral on this site was dedicated on Christmas David is so committed to the project that he chose an News Updates + prayer points. (Those of you who already get Day in the year 700, within a mere 30 years of the death of St extraordinary way to celebrate his 65th birthday recently. This is these emails are herewith enrolled as “Friends of the Two Saints Chad. It was built to accommodate the great crowds of pilgrims his story:“I completed a 65 kilometres (40 miles) challenge walk Way”!) who were by then already flocking to his burial place in search of on my 65th birthday on May 2nd. It was an unforgettable So... I invite you to celebrate with me by giving to help create spiritual inspiration and healing. Such was Chad’s personal exhilarating day of sun wind and bright glory. I set off from St this route and hopefully make a difference in many people's lives. reputation for holiness and hospitality that this first Saxon Chad's Well in Lichfield at 5.55am and had breaks for coffee on Lichfield is obviously a key city as either destination or starting cathedral soon proved too small to cope with pilgrim numbers. A Cannock Chase, lunch at Stafford and birthday cake in Stone and point for the Two Saints Way” Norman cathedral followed in the 11th century, but the present reached Stoke Minster by 7.25pm which was earlier than I had David already has support from a number of organisations Gothic building (bigger again) has stood here for more than 800 expected. including British Waterways, Staffordshire University, the two years. “The walk had great value for me in itself, but now that I have To this day, Lichfield Cathedral welcomes pilgrims. We host a completed the challenge. In these days of cutbacks it's a series of ‘parish pilgrimage days’ each year for church groups challenge to raise the funds we require, but with faith and from across our large diocese. In addition individual pilgrims find patience we'll get there. It will follow existing footpaths, but will their way here day by day, seeking that closer connection with include new way-marking, guide books, and high-tech God that St Chad himself achieved. interpretation panels and virtual tours which can be downloaded We are always looking for contemporary ways in which to on to mobile phones at key points. develop this ancient tradition and believe that the proposal David I’ve raised over £19,000 so far - there’s another £67,000 to Pott is wishing to explore will not only prove beneficial to those find and I’m grateful to all those who have given already. individuals who are drawn into pilgrimage through it, but has the All the money I raise will come through the Fountain Gate potential to contribute significantly to the Staffordshire tourist Trust (Reg Charity no 298768) which supports the Two Saints economy. Way Project. I’m hoping to complete the project in spring 2013. The recent discovery of the Staffordshire Hoard has ignited a “A major motivation for medieval pilgrims was to seek healing. tremendous fresh interest in Anglo Saxon Mercia, which the I want to see modern pilgrims resourced in various ways southern section of the Two Saints Way will both benefit from and (including a meditation guide) so that they can make an contribute to.” intentional journey to find health in body, mind and soul. Image courtesy of Stone & Eccleshall Gazette If anyone wants to know more about the project please email.
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