The joy of sharing

Gareth Reid has made the trip to St Davids many times. But this one was different.

I was joining the Diocesan Youth Pilgrimage. As I sat down with my fellow leaders it became clear that I was the only first-time leader present, and the sense of community was already strong.

After a ‘team talk’ from our Diocesan Children, Youth & Families Missioner, Revd Sophie Whitmarsh, we made our way to the Bunk Barns which would be our home for the next few days. Gradually the pilgrims arrived, 25 in total, from across the Diocese and our journey truly began.

From Monday to Friday, we all experienced the joys and challenges, the ups and downs of a pilgrimage. We had the privilege of walking along the coastal path (several times), being given a tour of the lifeboat station, a talk from Pembrokeshire Coastal forum, worshipping together in the Bunk Barns and the Cathedral, barbecues on the beach, being blessed by the Bishop at the well of St Non and, of course, fellowship.

The theme for the week was 1 Timothy 4:12 – “Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity” - and this verse shaped our worship and our reflections on how we can be a Christian in our world, with our friends, with our family. These words and reflections were offered for the pilgrims, but received by them and leaders alike.

On weeks like these, it is often the small things that stand out and lift your spirit. For me, seeing all who attended singing My Lighthouse around the fire pit after a long day of walking was one; another was sharing in the Eucharist every morning and passing the sacrament to one another and on one day witnessing the Bishop receiving from a young leader.

The joy of sharing the time with young people, and witnessing them on their journey of faith made the aching muscles worth it! The future, and the present, is bright - pray for our young people, and consider joining it next year, or making your own pilgrimage.