Despite the torrential rain at the beginning of the gathering of pilgrims for this annual event the happy and friendly atmosphere was not dampened. With music and singing to warm up their spirits the pilgrims from the various Caribbean communities from the South East were soon in celebratory mood and as the sun broke through this helped turn the day into a joyous and uplifting occasion. Bishop John Hine presided at the Pilgrimage Mass and mentioned that we should should be clear "why we are here" as Jesus asked those who had followed him after they had been fed. "I am the Bread of Life" we tells them. Important as the celebration of the Eucharist together is we also need to remember that the "Bread /Body" of Christ we receive also brings a commitment to the "Life"; a life of following and striving to be more Christ-like, not just on Sundays but during the whole week.
After Bishop John had lunched with the pilgrims in the Prior's Hall he then joined in the Rosary Procession and presided at Benediction. Everyone left with raised spirits and a smile on their faces which make the journey worthwhile.
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