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14 Apr 2010 10:33:21
Thirty-two hardy students from the University of Bedfordshire walked from Luton to St Albans Cathedral to join thousands of pilgrims taking part in an Easter service.
The group, formed by people from different faiths or no faith, made the 12-mile journey retracing the steps of pilgrims in a tradition dating back many years to celebrate Christ’s resurrection. Church groups from Luton, and across Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire, made their way by foot, car, train and bike to the Cathedral.
The students, from more than 10 different nations, started the day early at the Tree House, the University Chaplaincy. And after a full English breakfast, everyone was ready for the adventure. Their pilgrimage took them along the Lea Valley cycle path, Harpenden Common, the Childwickbury Estate and Verulam Park.
Angela Yewei Wang, a final year student from China, thought the pilgrimage was a good opportunity to get to know other people and to learn more about Christianity.
“It was tiring at times, but everything was worth it,” she said. “The most special thing for me was the service, it really touched me. The Cathedral was beautiful, I loved the choir and there was a wonderful atmosphere in there.”
This is the second year that the Tree House has organised the pilgrimage walk to St Albans. The group was led by Peter Adams, volunteer Assistant Chaplain, and colleagues Helen Malcolm and Sue Crane, and Revd. Andrew Goodman, Chaplain (Luton campus).
“The beauty of the route, the theme of pilgrimage, the singing and storytelling meant the miles fell away quickly and we were soon picnicking in front of the Cathedral,” said Peter.
More than 2,000 people processed into a jam-packed service conducted by the new
Bishop of St Albans, Rev. Alan Smith, with music led by television’s South Oxhey Community Choir, under Gareth Malone. The mood was joyous and positive with someone adding:
“The best Easter ever …a wonderful time from morning until the end of the day!”
