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A parish priest from Peterborough is undertaking a remarkable 108-mile pilgrimage during this week’s heatwave to mark the Golden Jubilee of the Diocese of East Anglia while raising funds for persecuted Christians around the world.
Fr Arockiya Seelan, Parish Priest of Sacred Heart and St Oswald, Peterborough, set out on a six-day walk to the Cathedral of St John the Baptist in Norwich ahead of the diocesan Jubilee celebrations on 26 June.
As well as marking the Diocese’s 50th anniversary, Fr Seelan is raising funds for Aid to the Church in Need (ACN) as the charity marks the 10th anniversary of its global #RedWednesday campaign. He hopes to raise £1,000 to support Christians facing persecution, particularly children and families living amid conflict, discrimination and displacement.
The challenge has been made even more demanding by the exceptionally high temperatures experienced across the country.
Fr Seelan said: “I’m walking 108 miles over six days, but I didn’t consider the fact the temperature will be in the 33, 34 degrees – I’ll have to start early in the morning because it’s going to be hot, it’s going to be exhausting.”
Despite the physical demands of the journey, he remains focused on its purpose.
“There are persecuted Christians – especially children in Kenya and across Africa – who have to walk long distances to protect themselves from conflict and violence. I’m not really a walker so having a purpose will help.
“I have also told people they are welcome to walk with me, even if it’s only two hours or a longer stretch.”
Fr Seelan began his pilgrimage on 20 June following his parish fair, accompanied by parishioners for the first stage of the journey. The following day he set off at 4am in order to reach Spalding in time to celebrate Mass before continuing on to Holbeach.
His pilgrimage has also been balanced with the demands of parish ministry. On 22 June he briefly returned to Peterborough to conduct both a funeral and a memorial service.
“You can’t tell people not to die,” he added.
Walking an average of 23 miles each day, Fr Seelan’s route includes Walsingham, Great Ryburgh and Thorpe Marriott before arriving at the Cathedral in Norwich.
Reflecting on the significance of the pilgrimage, Fr Seelan described it as “an act of thanksgiving to God for the abundant blessings bestowed upon our Diocese over the past fifty years”.
Throughout the journey he is praying for the many people who contribute to the life of the Church across East Anglia, including clergy, parish staff and volunteers.
He said he would be praying for the Bishop, priests, parish workers, catechists, readers, sacristans, musicians, carers, “and all who quietly and generously serve the Church”.
Every donation made in support of the pilgrimage will be doubled through ACN’s £1Million4Hope Matched Challenge, helping to provide hope and practical assistance to vulnerable Christian communities around the world.
Those wishing to support Fr Seelan’s fundraising effort can do so via the Aid to the Church in Need sponsorship page or via the QR code below.
