Students from three Church of England secondary schools across Durham Diocese recently took part in a special day of pilgrimage, walking barefoot along the ancient Pilgrim’s Way to Holy Island.
Participants included pupils from Whitburn Church of England Academy, St. Aidan’s Church of England Academy, and St. Hild’s Church of England School. Many of the students involved had also contributed to the Year 6 Leavers’ Services held at Durham Cathedral the previous month, bringing with them a shared sense of reflection and connection.
The pilgrimage, which took place on Monday 30 June, was a peaceful and contemplative journey, as students made their way across the sands in smaller groups, taking time to pause for prayer and conversation.
Along the route, they explored the idea of Holy Island as a “thin place” — a location where the distance between the physical and the spiritual feels especially narrow. Reflections were shared on the writings of St. Cuthbert, particularly his sense of God’s presence in the wind and waves, a message that resonated deeply as the group listened to the breeze.
Upon arrival at Holy Island, students took part in a reflective service at St. Mary’s Church, led by Catherine Simpson, Educational Chaplaincy Enabler. During the interactive service, pupils were invited to consider how their lives are shaped by God, much like sea glass is gently transformed by the sea. There was time for silent reflection with a focus on gratitude, and students’ personal hopes for the future.
The day left a lasting impression on many students, with several expressing a desire to return to Holy Island in the future.
One student commented, “I enjoyed the vibe of everything and really enjoyed the service – it was clear that a lot of work had been put in.” Another added, “I like how we were reminded that it wasn’t just a day out of school, it was a day with a purpose.”
The day served as a reminder of the power of shared journeys and the presence of God in the world around us.
A prayer of reflection:
Lord, you know our beginning and our end. Help us to realise we are only pilgrims on this earth and save us from being too attached to worldly possessions. May we experience the freedom to wander, the freedom to hope and the freedom to love as we journey. Amen
With thanks to John Wright, Chaplain’s Assistant at Whitburn CofE Academy for his contributions to this article.