Tuesday 3rd May
It was with excitment that we met at St Pancras Station at 6:30 a.m. this morning to head to Belgium for our pilgrimage to see the Festival of the Precious Blood. Five members of the Deaf Community joined Canon Shaun Lennard and his parishioners from Palmers Green for these few days in Belgium.
After arriving at our hotel in Ghent we spend the afternoon familiarising ourselves with the town.
Our opening Mass of the pilgrimage took place in St Paul's Church. Canon Shaun invited us all to truly open our hearts to God's mercy as we journey on this pilgrimage together.
After a group meal we all headed for an early night looking forward to tomorrow when we will have the opportunity to explore properly the beautiful city of Ghent.
Wednesday 4th May
A beautiful day in a beautiful city. We started the day with Mass in St Bavo's Cathedral. Canon Shaun reminded us of the importance of showing mercy to others. In all our weaknesses and sins God shows us all an abundance of his mercy and love. In this Year of Mercy we should take the opportunity to forgive others who maybe we have held a grudge against and to care for those who are lonely and have no-one to turn to.
In the Gospel reading we heard John the Baptist's words about Jesus "Here is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!" and here in St Bavo's Cathedral we were priviledged to see the the famous altar piece The mystic Lamb by the brothers Van Eyck.
With guided tours both on land and on the water the merchant history of town was explained to us with the waterways separating the fish market from the meat market and the wine cellars from the beer cellars.
As we reflect on this beautiful day the image of the Mystic Lamb brings us back to the powerful truth that Christ saved us through his death and resurrection and that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.
Thursday 5th May
From sun rise to sunset; a truly special day. We arrived in Bruges early in the morning and were greeted by a quiet city, not yet woken up.
Heading off to the Bascilica of the Holy Blood we followed in the footsteps of so many pilgrims before us to venerate and pray in the presence of the relic of Christ's Holy Blood, such a special moment for many bringing them peace and joy. Mass in St Jakobs Church followed where we joined in fellowship with pilgrims from many places come to Bruges for that common purpose, the Holy Blood Procession.
In the afternoon we settled down in our grandstand seats as before us unfolded both old testament stories and the new testament telling of the life of Jesus. As we stood at the end of the procession to honour the relic of the Holy blood as it passed by we were joined in this common act, undivided by language or culture, united together by faith.
Friday 6th May
Mass this morning was once again in St Paul's Church. As we have journeyed together this week, helping each other when needed, so we too journey through life helping others when they need it and accepting help when we are in need. Canon Shaun reminded us that in the midst of dark or difficult times, good can be found in the way that people help each other.
As we said goodbye to each other at St Pancras station it was as a group of fellow pilgrims, not people with separate lives, who were looking forward to an opportunity when we might all see each other and worship together again.
