Last Saturday was a clear September morning. An autumnal deep blue sky with a smattering of white cloud. Northumberland looked magnificent, as the parish pilgrimage departed from Gilesgate to Holy Island the day after the Feast of St. Cuthbert. For some it was their first time. We had a packed coach with a one or two seats free.

After a pleasant journey of prayer, laughter and a very relevant quiz presented by Barbara and Maria, we arrived soon after the tide had departed. Ahead of the brave lay the slippery trek across the causeway, followed by the ritual, almost religious, feet drying. This prepared us for a short coffee break, or picnic for the hungry. We were all ages from a baby a few months old carried by Brazilian mother, Larissa, to the evergreen Dorothy Wilson…all bare-footing through the surprisingly warm  Lindesfarne water.

The sky was stunningly clear. In the background we heard the familiar welcome sound of the seal colony. That haunting sound echoing the plaintiff chants of the ancient monks and their lonely but distinct calls Gods glory in this sacred space-an estimated 6000 seals make their home here.

Our pilgrims Mass in  St. Aiden’s Chapel was prepared for us by Sister Tessa, who has served many celebrations. Our Eucharistic celebration was followed an hour later by the parish of St Cuthbert, North Shields, led by Fr. Chris Hughes. Always a pleasure to catch up with Chris. 

Angela Boyle, former head of St Joseph’s, was one of Fr Chris’s pilgrims and always speaks glowingly of her connection with our parish and school.

It is hard to fathom how Durham City sprang from the removal of the earthly remains of St. Cuthbert from this small insular location. It took over 100 years to do journeying from this small island to settle on the peninsula that is now Durham Cathedral.

We  left Holy Island with sadness but well fortified physically, and spiritually, and anticipating our traditional Fish’n Chips at Seahouses.

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Sadly, our chief organiser, Barbara Reilly-O’Donnell fell victim of the slippery slopes of the wet Causeway and now nurses a very bruised ankle. Thanks again Barbara  for your organising a great day-despite your mishap. And thank you all for journeying by coach and by car. These are very important events of coming together at both parish, and partnership levels.