Franciscan pilgrimage - from Dover to Canterbury
Over 60 pilgrims take part in pilgrimage to celebrate the 800th Anniversary of the arrival of Blessed Angellus of Piza and the first Friars Minor in England
The pilgrimage to celebrate the 800th Anniversary of the arrival of Blessed Angellus of Piza and the first Friars Minor in England, at Dover, 800 years ago on the 10th September 1224 successfully commenced on Monday 9 September with a guided tour of Medieval Dover from Dover beach, the landing point of the 9 Franciscan Friars, to St Edmund’s Chapel with its relationship to St Martin’s, Dover Priory a particular focus.
On the same afternoon, over 60 pilgrims, both clergy and lay, were jointly led in evening prayer at the chapel by David Slater, Dover Port Chaplain, and tour guide leader and long-term St Paul's parishioner and Chairman of the Chapel Trust Paul Smye Rumsby. Earlier in the day, Paul gave an inspired account of the Chapel’s history with particular reference to St Edmund of Abingdon, after whom the chapel is named, and Bishop Richard of Chichester. The history of the chapel and its internal architecture, past and present, were particular high points.
On Tuesday, the 'Votive Mass for the Evangelisation of Peoples' took place on Dover Beach, with Friar Carlos Trovarelli, Minister General, 120th Successor of St Francis of Assisi, presiding. Over 20 clergy both priests and deacons, and 80 lay people attended. Friar Joseph Wood, Assistant General, Friars Minor Conventual preached the homily. Auxiliary Bishop for Kent Area, Paul Hendricks also attended.
Pilgrims attended across England, USA and Europe including local parishes in the Dover area. In addition to spiritual nourishment provided through the Liturgy of the Word and the Eucharist, physical nourishment was provided by Sandra Malho and her staff at La Sale Verte Café, where a 2-course evening meal and a breakfast were provided in a most welcoming hospitable environment. Social nourishment was provided by the pilgrims themselves.
Finally, thank you to over 20 individuals, both clergy and lay, plus Dover Street Pastors, Christians Together in Dover, Dover Harbour Board and local sea related business operating out of the Esplanade, Dover who made the Franciscan Pilgrimage Dover to Canterbury 'Casting the Net of St Peter with The Cord of St Francis 1224 – 2024' both possible and such a success.
Article written by Deacon Barry Barton (The Parish of the Good Shepherd, St Paul’s Dover & St Finbarr’s Aylesham)
To follow further events celebrating the 800th anniversary, visit this website.
