By Isle of Wight Observer
Island Catholics took part in a pilgrimage walk to Quarr Abbey on Saturday, July 12, as part of the Catholic Church’s global Jubilee Year, themed Pilgrims of Hope.
The Holy Year, observed every 25 years, invites Catholics around the world to renew their faith and find hope in the face of modern challenges such as war, economic hardship and climate change.
On the Island, walkers set off from Newport and Ryde, with each group stopping to pray and reflect on the gospel message along the way. The Ryde group began their journey at St Mary’s Church, led in prayer by Fr. Steven Restori, while the Newport group, tackling a longer route, was led by Fr. Jonathan Redvers Harris and Fr. Nishan.
Both groups arrived at Quarr Abbey around the same time and joined the Benedictine monks for the afternoon Office of None. Afterwards, they were addressed by Fr. Nicholas, a monk of Quarr, who spoke on the theme of hope.
He acknowledged the despair and hardship present in the world today, but encouraged the group to place their hope in God. He also noted a renewed interest in faith among younger people, particularly in the wake of the Covid pandemic.
Further Island initiatives linked to the Pilgrims of Hope theme are expected later in the year.
