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Tuesday, 29th April 2008

Pilgrims’ Progress

Year 10 pupils from St. Thomas a Becket Catholic College, in Wakefield, made a ‘mini-pilgrimage’ to the Padley Chapel in Derbyshire supported by some staff and family members.

It was here that two priests, Robert Ludlum and Nicholas Garlick, were arrested on 12th July 1588 whilst offering Mass, and were executed on the 24th July 1588 for their ministry to the recusants of their time.

Mass was offered for the conversion of England, by Fr. Anthony Burke of the local parish. Mrs Celia White, the administrator for the shrine gave an eloquent talk about its history and the dreadful events that took place there.

The next part of the day involved a walk from Padley to Eyam, a village that was infected in 1666 with the bubonic plague and chose to go into quarantine rather than spread the infection to the surrounding area.

The group visited the Riley Graves, where the Hancock family were laid to rest. It is a poignant reminder of an epic tale of self-sacrifice.

The aim of the day was to prepare spiritually for taking part in the Leeds Diocesan Pilgrimage to Lourdes in July, and to gain sponsorship by walking from Padley to Eyam. The pupils’ roles with the sick and elderly will be demanding, both physically and emotionally. However, their efforts and attitude on the day proved that they are up for the challenge and raring to go!