Pilgrimage to Welsh Island Offers Spiritual Discovery

A series of unique pilgrimages to the southernmost point in Wales is open to all looking for ‘something else’ life has to offer. The pilgrimage to the island of Flat Holm in the Bristol Channel is embedded in the Celtic tradition of the land and is being led by the Anglican churches in South Cardiff in on multiple dates in 2023.

Pilgrimages are a physical act of exploring spirituality. In travelling to a destination usually of religious significance, the pilgrim is literally taking steps towards a deeper understanding of life. British Pilgrimage Trust says, ‘Britain is witnessing a pilgrimage renaissance’. The charity has seen a growth in the popularity of pilgrimages as it encourages people to ‘bring your own beliefs’. Since 2016, the trust has led over 2000 pilgrims on 100 guided pilgrimages.

For people of faith, pilgrimages are also an act of devotion to their deity as the task can be physically challenging and takes the traveller away from their normal life to solely focus on their commitment to their God. This ancient ritual is seen in all major religious traditions, including Christianity, Buddhism, Hinduism, Islam, Judaism and Sikhism.

In a BBC programme ‘Pilgrimage’ airing this April, seven celebrities are taking on the 364-kilometre ‘Northern Way’ pilgrimage over 14 days across the north of Spain to one of the biggest Catholic pilgrimage destinations in the world, the city of Fatima. The personalities, all with different beliefs and faith backgrounds, look deeper into their own spirituality as they live as walking pilgrims.

Similarly, the Flat Holm pilgrimage is an opportunity to ‘find something else’ regardless of faith or belief. Rev’d Dean Atkins, lead of the churches in South Cardiff, is hoping people who have been inspired by BBC’s ‘Pilgrimage’ or have felt moved over Easter to explore a deeper meaning of life will join him on the next pilgrimage on Friday 14th April.

Fr Dean said, “Each pilgrimage is unique not just because of the changing seasons and the different pilgrimage themes but because of the people involved. Each of us is on a journey, and we hope that by being part of a unique community of pilgrims we will discover new possibilities and horizons.

“In the past, an annual pilgrimage was made from St Mary’s to Flat Holm being the southernmost tip of the parish. The pilgrimage took place on the feast of St Cadoc for the island was an isolated place of retreat. Now that the crossings have been reintroduced, it’s an ideal time for us to revisit the island pilgrimage whilst also doing something new.

“As a place where nature abounds and is protected, Flat Holm enables the faith and heritage of the Celtic saints and their closeness to Creation to speak powerfully to us in our own day. It provides an opportunity for us to discover God in all that he has made and to deepen our respect and experience of the natural world.”

Flat Holm sits alongside its sister island, Steep Holm, in the Bristol Channel. It lies within the ancient parish of Cardiff St Mary the Virgin and is the southernmost point of Wales. In the one-day pilgrimage experience, the pilgrims will cross the channel to the island which is rich in wildlife and steeped in history and religious significance. On the island, pilgrims will walk in the footsteps of Saint Cadoc and gain a fresh perspective of life in faith.

The day long pilgrimages in 2023 are taking place in April, August and September and cost £55 which includes the return crossing, and a Pilgrimage Manual with over 80 pages of prayers and reflections. People must pre-book via https://southcardiffministryarea.co.uk/flat-holm/ where more information can be found.

Fr Dean will begin each crossing day with a Pilgrimage Mass at St Mary the Virgin Church, Cardiff, at 9.30am which is free and open to all.