Cynon Valley Pilgrims Seek Healing and Hope

Members of the congregation from St Winifred’s Church, Penrhiwceiber, in the Cynon Valley South Ministry Area, travelled to Holywell in North Wales for an overnight pilgrimage, a journey that deepened fellowship, strengthened faith, and connected them with one of Wales’s most treasured holy sites.

The group enjoyed a wonderful stay with the St Bridgettine Sisters, where they gathered in the grotto to pray the Joyful Mysteries of the Rosary. Their time with the Sisters continued on Wednesday morning, beginning with an invitation to join them for Eucharist, a moment of shared worship that set the tone for the day’s spiritual encounters.

Pilgrims then visited St Winefride’s Well, one of Britain’s oldest and most significant pilgrimage destinations. For over 1,300 years, Christians have travelled to this sacred place — known as the Lourdes of Wales — seeking healing, renewal, and peace. The group followed in that ancient tradition as each person, in their own way, entered or touched the healing waters, experiencing the quiet grace that has drawn generations to the Well.

The journey concluded with a visit to St Winefride’s Chapel, where pilgrims reflected on the saint’s story and offered prayers of thanksgiving for their time away.

The congregation shared that they were grateful for a blessed and prayerful pilgrimage, returning home enriched in faith and already planning a longer stay next time.

“Blessed are those whose strength is in you, whose hearts are set on pilgrimage.” — Psalm 84:5