Many of us have special 'Pilgrim Places' - sites that are often beautiful, maybe historic, but which all give us a sense of belonging and perspective and of being closer to God.
They are places to come aside, pause, reflect and find peace, hope, comfort and understanding to take us back into our everyday pilgrim journeys of life.
The Church of England has been highlighting some of the places around the country which have been made holy by those who have lived faithful lives there - reminding us that the church is always on pilgrimage and helping us to see God at work in every community and on every pilgrim journey.
We have been spotlighting some of the places in our diocese and beyond that are very special for many, and today are sharing the story of a pilgrimage to Whitby by members of a benefice in the Leeds area.
Twenty members of the United Benefice of St Peter’s Gildersome and St Paul's Drighlington recently have been on day pilgrimage to Whitby.
Organised by the Revd Denise Brogden, Self Supporting Curate in the benefice, the day began with hospitality from the Sisters at the Order of the Holy Paraclete Priory.
The Priory is a Pilgrim Place, and after a hot drink people had the chance to hear from Sister Anita, speaking about the history of St Hilda and the Whitby Synod of 664.
The pilgrims also learnt about the role of education in the history of the Sisters.
After sharing in Midday Office and eating their picnic, the pilgrims headed to the beach below West Cliff where four members of St Peter’s Gildersome were baptised in the North Sea.
Revd Denise said: “We were blessed by the wind calming and the rain stopping as we arrived at the beach.
“After such a fabulous time our Whitby pilgrimage ended with traditional fish and chips!”
Revd Denise has been a Tertiary of the Order of the Holy Paraclete for 14 years, and visits the Priory often.
One pilgrim said: “A great day was had by all!
“Praise the Lord indeed for blessing our day.
“Thank you to Denise for organising, and thank you to the Sisters for their welcome, hospitality and to Sister Anita for her interesting talk and for letting us share in their service.
“Thank you to the drivers and thank you for the fellowship we shared - God is good!”
Another pilgrim said: “My own faith has been boosted and renewed.
“Being part of the momentous event with four wonderful, beautiful people baptised can’t ever be erased from my memory and will stay with me always.
“Such wonderful times together, glory be to the Lord.
“Praise his name forever!”