Two Saints Way

First sight of Lichfield - the Mons Gaudium; Mount of Joy. We'd walked more than 80 miles from Chester along the newly established Two Saints Way and here we could make out the distinctive three spires of Lichfield Cathedral on the horizon.

David Pott, the pioneer, founder and envisioner of the Two Saints Way led a group of 11 who did the entire walk. Each day we were joined by others. What a privilege to be led by someone who so clearly walks with God. The Two Saints are Werburgh (Chester) and Chad (Lichfield). Our daily pattern included times of prayer, some songs, sometimes a poem, a reflection after which we would walk silently for 15 minutes or so. People would host the pilgrims and as far as possible we punctuated the journey with visits to churches and significant sights; interwoven with legends, stories and historical insights.

David had prayed that we would be converted through the

Walk and I sense this happened for me. I wasn't at all sure I'd make the full distance because of my dodgy ankles so prayed that I would go through pain and miracles and have the grace to call it a day when and if I needed to. In fact the support and energy from a trusting group is amazing - and just as my stone was carried by a fellow pilgrim before I left it with a prayer in Stone so I felt carried. Mind you I did need the painkillers and walking poles; but now, safely home, as I stagger about I wonder how it was possible.

This inaugural walk of the Two Saints Way came about partly as an expression of the birthing of the Community of St Chad. As the idea and vision for some Order or Community was emerging the knowledge that this Pilgrim Way was being developed was very significant. Certainly we seem to be at a time of a great renaissance of all things Saxon and with it the possibility of a growing sense of the spiritual resources passed on to us through Chad. The walking provides a wonderful chance to

communicate, observe and reflect at a living breathing pace; but also becomes an expression of transformation and regeneration as our feet claim the ground and build up a tangible force of healing, grace and reconciliation.

For further details about the Two Saints Way see www.twosaintsway.org.uk