Divine Providence. What a very suitable name. They run homes and accomodation for people with special needs, notably at Hampton Wick along by the Thames near Kingston. I went there today, because I had it in mind to ask if our John Paul II Walking Pilgrimage along the Thames could finish there.
As I arrived, a couple of Gentlemen of the Road were sitting outside the house, one of them tucking in to a nice plate of supper, the other sitting looking hopeful. They greeted me with a cheery "Good Evening" and I rang the doorbell. A priest came out, carefully carrying a plate all nicely set out with meat pie, potatoes and vegetables "Hallo - good to see you. Just got to give this gentleman his supper..." and then he welcomed me in for a cup of tea. I had earlier telephoned and talked about the Pilgrimage plan, and he just immediately said "Yes, of course!" and we'll have Evensong and Benediction in the chapel, and then a good Tea.
But there's more. The chapel is dedicated to Our Lady of Westminster: in the 1950s the Sons were was given a Medieval statue of Our Lady which had some link with London and so they gave it that dedication, and it was blessed by Cardinal Godfrey in Westminster Cathedral. So this is a real place of pilgrimage. I hadn't known that. Providence.
The John II Walking Pilgrimage sets off from Westminster Cathedral on Sunday October 28th and will walk some 20 mile down-river to Hampton Wick. From Westminster Cathedral to Our Lady of Westminster. What could be more appropriate...and we'll be praying for the New Evangelisation of our country.
"Do not be afraid. Open wide the doors for Christ. To his saving power
open the boundaries of States, economic and political systems, the vast
fields of culture, civilization and development. Do not be afraid.
Christ knows ‘what is in man’. He alone knows it.” Blessed John Paul.
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Up-river, surely! What time does it set off? Is it possible to join mid-way? (I'd love to join, but may have to be at Ponders End for the 11am Mass.)
Yes, you can join us at any point, but it will just be a question of finding us! If you send me, in confidence, your full name and address and an email address at which I can reach you, I will give you more detailed info about the walk.
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