Alf speaks after completing the pilgrimage

 

 

 

As most of you are aware I finished my pilgrimage on Saturday 28th at Maenan Abbey. I will now write-up my notes and put them on the web for those who would like to see it.

 

The last few days have been especially good despite the rain and a couple of soakings. On the last day I was joined by my brother, Della Fazey, Paul Ellis from Moelyci and Della's friend Sue. We managed to get a bit off course coming over from Dolwyddelan but it was a new experience (the area, not getting lost) The walk over Gwydir Forest was pretty steep and hard going.

It was also good to call in at Llanrwst to the church where I was baptised (the font looks quite small). The welcome was much appreciated by those who came to see me home.

My thanks to Stephen Wigley for the devotions at the end and all who have supported and prayed for me during the month. I would especially like to thank Keith who has handled the technical end with the blog site and pictures and of course Mary who has waited patiently everyday to pick me up. Personally I think that has been the hardest part of the pilgrimage.

Can I also thank those people who have given so generously to Action for Children during this special year. I will get the final figure out and let everyone know the result.

Once again a big thank you to everyone for their support.

Shalom

Alf

Alf returns to Maenan Abbey

After having posted all Alf's messages during the last month, it was a pleasure to be at Maenan Abbey to welcome him back at journey's end.   A few minutes after he arrived we gathered for a short service to recognise the pilgrimage.   Below is the service in  which we took part:

Order for the Blessing of a Pilgrim after their Return 

May God, our hope and our strength, fill you with peace and with joy in the Holy Spirit.   Glory to God, now and for ever.   Amen 

Your pilgrimage has been a privileged period of grace given by God.   May you be moved with a new resolve to be renewed in heart and mind. 

The sanctuaries that you have visited are a sign of that house not built with hands, namely, the Body of Christ, in which we are the living stones built upon Christ, the cornerstone.   As you return home, may you live as a member of a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people God claims for his own, so that you may everywhere proclaim the goodness of him who called us from darkness into his marvellous light.   Amen 

Intercessions 

Heavenly Father, you set your church in this world as a sanctuary from which the true light would shine for all to see; grant that we may all walk in your ways.

You have told us that here we have no lasting city; grant that we may always seek the city that is to come.

You teach all the faithful to perceive the signs of your presence along all the pathways of life; grant that like the disciples of Emmaus we may come to recognise Christ as the companion of our journey and know him in the breaking of the bread. 

Prayer of blessing

Blessed are you, O God, Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.   From all races of the earth you have chosen a people dedicated to you, eager to do what is right.   Your grace has moved our hearts, to love you more deeply and to serve you more generously.   We ask you to bless us, so that they may tell of your wonderful deeds and give proof of them in their lives.   We ask this through Christ our Lord.   Amen 

Concluding Rite

May God, the Lord of heaven and earth, who so graciously has accompanied you on this pilgrimage, continue to keep you under his protection.   Amen

May God, who gathered all his scattered children in Christ Jesus, grant that we will be of one heart and one mind in Christ.   Amen

May God, whose goodness inspires in us all that we desire and achieve, strengthen our devotion by his blessing.   Amen

Only one more lap!

Alf's message:

Walked from Trawsfynedd to Dolwyddelan. Had company from John Fazey. It was good to have someone with 'local knowledge'. Church Warden at St. Gwyddalen had kept the church open which was really nice - persuasive powers of Della. Weather was very good but the route was very wet and boggy. Fascinating vista, Roman fort, amphitheatre as well as Celtic grave stones and slate mines.

Feet good but knee in need of rest and TLC. Final stage tomorrow to Maenan Abbey should arrive at about 13.00hrs. Wales on Sunday Photographer is going to be there for the finish.

Shalom

Well done, Alf.   John Fazey was a little worried as he waited to meet you.   Della rang me at 8.30am to check where you were due to start!   Big finish tomorrow!!

The way to Trawsfynedd

Alf's message:

I was joined by Martin Evans-Jones (Synod Cymru) and Sister Eluned. Called at Cymmer Abbey before heading for Trawsfynedd, Heavy rain and high winds so we all got soaked. Despite the weather pretty stunning countryside. Glad to see Mary at the end of the journey, a hot shower and a lovely meal. and as Samuel Peppys use to say.... and so to bed.

God bless

That Caterpillar Again

These are Alf's promised photos from Wednesday:

Thanks for the photos, Alf.   That caterpillar has done some amazing mileage.   Don't let it beat you to Maenan!

The Climb to Dolgellau

Alf's message:

Sorry I could not send in a report last night, the library closed at 13.00hrs and Sister Eluned didn't arrive until late.

Anyhow Eluned, and Martin Evans-Jones (former chair of Synod Cymru) are joining me on the walk to Cymmer Abbey and the next stage.

Yesterday was a long hard pull up through Corris and over the mountains to Dolgellau. Heard a woodpecker as well as a Cuckoo

Weather was really great and the wind was behind me. That Caterpillar and his friends are still trying to catch me up, I will post some photos later today when I get back.

Shalom

By now, Alf, your body is able to give you that bit more and so you will beat the caterpillars easily!

On the Glyndwr Way

Alf's message:

What a change on the way back from my walk yesterday, the sun came out and blue sky everywhere.

This morning started off very nice at Ponterwyd but got quite threatening. By the time I got onto the Glyndwr Way the sun was out again and I had to take off some tops.

Plenty of Red Kites about yesterday and today.

Feet holding out and I have Dog Oil for my knee which is fantastic.

Off to Dolgellau tomorrow.