REPORT - HOLYWELL PILGRIMAGE 2012
This year the Order's Pilgrimage to the medieval shrine of Holywell, North
Wales, started in the ancient market town of Ruthin. While there pilgrims
were able to pray at the spot where, in 1679, Blessed Charles Meehan, a
Franciscan, gained the unsought distinction of being the last Catholic to be
martyred by hanging, drawing and quartering. After Mass on Saturday morning
in the tiny Catholic church of Bala the pilgrims visited various sites along
the "Pilgrims' Way" which goes from St David's to Holywell. Sunday, as
usual, started with Mass in the parish Church of St Winefride's followed by
a hearty lunch provided by the sisters who run the Pilgrim Hospice. It ended
with prayers at the Shrine led by our chaplain Fr. Mark Elvins. Next year
the pilgrimage is booked for a week earlier than usual - 26th-28th July - in
order to avoid a clash with the Welsh National Eisteddfod.
Saint Winifrede, pray for us.