Thanks for taking time to visit this page!

I’m Laurence, a parishioner of St. Etheldreda’s Parish in Ely, Cambridgeshire - part of the Diocese of East Anglia, which celebrates its Golden Jubilee this year!

This is my first time doing the Camino pilgrimage. I was inspired to do this last year when I walked to Walsingham from Kings Lynn over four days. On the way, I got captured a few miles from Walsingham by the Google Earth van, and so now you can see me on my way! (https://maps.app.goo.gl/7189heJqZS25kEsY7).

So, what is the Camino Pilgrimage about? Saint James, one of the twelve apostles of Jesus, is recorded in Spanish accounts as having spent time preaching the Gospel in Spain but returned to Judea upon seeing a vision of the Virgin Mary on the bank of the Ebro River. Tradition holds that Saint James’ remains were carried by boat from Jerusalem to northern Spain, where they were buried in what is now the Santiago de Compostela Cathedral - the destination of the pilgrimage. The Camino network was created and established at the beginning of the 9th century, following the discovery of the relics of the apostle Saint James. The Way of Saint James became a major pilgrimage route of medieval Christianity from the 10th Century onwards.

Why are members of the SVP doing this walk? Whilst the SVP is looking to raise funds to enable it to continue its mission, the pilgrimage is also about community building:

• Sharing in prayer and reflection.

• Raising awareness of the SVP and its work in the Church, amongst friends and families, and across our local community.

• Connecting with local businesses and schools.

The SVP is doing really important work in our communities; please visit their website for more information (www.svp.org.uk). If you are able, your donations to this cause would be really appreciated - perhaps you may even consider joining the SVP.

Thanks again for giving of your time to read about this.

Laurence