2020 Local Pilgrims

Dear folks
 
I’ll open this wee note with "The Pilgrim Prayer," Tom Pfeffer & Joyce Rupp

Guardian of my soul, guide me on my way this day.
Keep me safe from harm.
Deepen my relationship with you, your Earth, and all your family.
Strengthen your love within me that I may be a presence of your peace
in our world.



Beginning this week, I’d like to encourage you to participate in a walking pilgrimage.  This will be a time to nourish ourselves in mind, body and spirit.  And, our walks can be either long or wee ones to enjoy God’s wondrous world. 
 
Walking has been a vital part of my spiritual life.  I walk every day and it brings balance, perspective and peace to me.  There are beautiful trails all around us.  And, by time, it’s nice to really get away and try something new.  A few years ago, we hiked the trails on Cape Breton Island all the while humming hymns, reading scriptures and reciting prayers.  It was a true grace.
 
I’ve been participating in a “Stroll for your Soul” of late.  A 21 day breath of fresh air that has been fun and refreshing and has connected people from all over Canada and abroad combining online resources and time outside for participants to really notice all the beauty that surrounds us.
 
Last year, we finally said 2020 will be the year we join the Walking Pilgrimage in Guelph as part of the week long Ignatian Centre offering in August. Well, we all know that such events are cancelled this year, so time to create something different!  Like St. Ignatius of Loyola, founder of the Jesuits, we can, each in our own way, experience the beauty and wonder of God in all things right close to home.
 
There are countless scriptures, hymns, poems, readings to accompany us and we will be providing inspirations along the way and welcome your offerings too.  Please send your thoughts, your prayers, pictures of the sights and sounds on your pilgrim way. 
 
Finally, I was delighted to read that the Moderator of the Presbyterian Church of Canada, Rev. Amanda Currie, will be walking a km for each ministry of the church and for ecumenical partners all throughout the summer.  Amazing! Rev Currie writes, “Walking every day, even on the coldest January days in Saskatchewan, has encouraged my spirit, helped me to pray, reduced my stress level, made me a better preacher and a more confident leader, and given me a fresh appreciation for God’s Creation.”  You can sign up and check out all that will be offered using this link: https://presbyterian.ca/gao/moderator/
 
Perhaps, you could walk with a friend or neighbour, honouring physical distancing and still be able to share in a blessed time for mind, body and spirit.  One or many, we are not alone …
 
In prayer and wonder
Christine

Click here to here "Walk with Me"