CAPTION: The first pilgrims prepare to set off along the St Boniface Way
Devon’s New St Boniface Way Pilgrimage Launches With Day of Special Events
A new pilgrimage in honour of St Boniface, Devon’s patron saint, has launched with a series of special events along the route.
The 14-mile St Boniface Way goes from Holy Cross Church in Crediton to Exeter Cathedral.
The first pilgrims set off from the church in Crediton on Saturday 23 October, they paused at Shobrooke’s St Swithun’s church to plant 300 crocus bulbs and dress a holy well with native plants.
The 14 mile route goes from Crediton to Exeter Cathedral
St Julietta’s church in Newton St Cyre’s saw another stop-off for a blessing and family treasure hunt.
The day ended with an evening service at Exeter Cathedral and a talk on pilgrimage by the Dean, the Very Reverend Jonathan Greener.
Canon Chris Palmer, from Exeter Cathedral, took part in the walk and said “Pilgrimage is a really great opportunity to combine faith and prayer with physical exercise and connection with the environment we live.
“We are in touch with nature and in touch with other human beings as we talk to them on the road.”
St Boniface was born in Crediton around 675AD and attended a monastery near the Cathedral site.
The route is part of Devon Pilgrim, a Church of England initiative to encourage more people to discover the spirituality and history of Devon’s landscape, churches and Holy sites.
The Holy Well at St Swithuns is the second spiritual destination on the pilgrimage
The St Boniface Way has been devised by local groups in Crediton and at Exeter Cathedral.
The Reverend Matthew Trengenza, vicar of Crediton, said “My own experience of pilgrimage has been allowing myself to be open to God.
“It’s also been about journeying with fellow pilgrims, listening to their story and telling them something of my story.
“I hope that those who walk the St Boniface Way may encounter Christ, not only in the beautiful countryside and the churches that they visit, but in the stories and the lives of their fellow pilgrims.”
Planting crocus bulbs on the route as part of an environmental initiative ahead of Cop26
Sam Upham, Project Officer for Devon Pilgrim, said “What’s so special about St Boniface Way is that, despite starting in a busy market town, and ending right in the heart of the city, over the course of only 15 miles, you pass through quiet countryside, along stunning rivers and tiny villages.
“This route shows just how easy it is, even in a busy area like Exeter, to find space and tranquillity.
“Walking St Boniface Way, you come away from the busyness and noise of daily life to stop, to breathe in fresh air and reflect.”
