Glastonbury Pilgrimage Association. Press Releases

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Press Release
18th June 2006

LAST SATURDAY'S GLASTONBURY PILGRIMAGE AT GLASTONBURY ABBEY

The Glastonbury Pilgrimage Association report that several thousand Anglican Christians from England and Wales witnessed to their faith in Jesus Christ as practised in the catholic tradition of the church of God last Saturday.

The mood was celebrational and joyous as those who made their journey from all parts of the the country met at the Holy site of Glastonbury Abbey in Somerset, site of the oldest Christian church in England.

Glorious sun and warmth added to a spectacular day in which the intention for the Liturgy of the Mass was in thanksgiving to God for The Holy Eucharist following soon upon the feast day of Corpus Christi.

The preacher and principal Celebrant in the concelebrated Mass with over an hundred priests was The Rt. Rev'd Nicholas S Reade, Bishop of Blackburn.

Other Bishops robed and taking their full part included the Rt Rev'd David Silk, Chairman of the Glastonbury Pilgrimage Ass'n, Bishops John Broadhurst, David Thomas, Keith Newton, John Ford and Roger Jupp who presided at the afternoon service of Benediction.

The day began with an Orthodox Church service followed by the Ministries of Healing and Reconciliation. The Procession of Witness now takes the form of an entrance procession to the Mass and followed through the streets of the town before thousands of onlookers. A large party of children took part and were involved at the Offertory and in a full programme of children's events during the day. Bishop David Silk said ''there is considerable cause for hope for those who share in our ideals'' and was keen to emphasise the new links with charities to share in the pilgrimage intentions of prayer and alms giving.

This year's dedicated charity was Christian Aid. Pilgrims returned to their various parishes renewed, refreshed and determined to fulfil their vocation of witness to the Gospel of Jesus Christ within traditional Anglo Catholic devotion.

They will return again next year on 16th. June 2007.

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