Walkers from the United Benefice of Darton, Staincross and Mapplewell have just returned from a 100km pilgrimage along the Camino de Santiago in Northern Spain.
Led by Fr John Fisher, many who attended joined the hiking group that he set up at the start of his curacy three years ago to get himself fit.
“The small group ranged from age 30 to 75 years old and the 100 kilometres allowed each of us to walk alongside fellow Christians from around the world and share faith together,” Fr John said.
“It was very humbling to share the journey with so many hundreds of people and pray with them too.
“The daily mileage varied from depending on the terrain. Some of the hikers had a quick pace others a slow one, but each came back with a sense of being on a special pilgrimage of world acclaim.”
“On one of the Sundays I presided in a small park area at our own Holy Eucharist, as we shared the bread and wine the back drop of the lake and tree topped hills was so spectacular it meant little more was needed to be said before we set of that days hike.
“God’s creation was shouting out at us all.
“There is something words cannot explain when you walk the Camino and share the journey with fellow Christians,” Fr John said.
The pilgrimage was, in part, a farewell trip for Fr John, who is leaving the diocese and heading north to take on three parishes in Durham. He will live in Ebchester and will be licensed in that role on Sunday, October 6.