Catholic Women's League (CWL) National Pilgrimage

It was a beautiful sunny morning as I wished the St Augustine's branch of the CWL a safe and holy Pilgrimage. I had planned to join them but unfortunately a job opportunity came up at the last minute so I missed the trip.

It was the first time for me to give a blessing to a group heading off on pilgrimage. The words of the blessing were:

All-powerful God, you always show mercy toward those who love you and you are never far away for those who seek you. Remain with your servants on this holy pilgrimage and guide their way in accord with your will. Shelter them with your protection and give them the light of your grace. As their companion on this journey bring them to their destination in safety. Amen.

The phrase that really stuck with me was "You are never far away for those who seek you." The ladies gathered outside the church were going to seek God. A day spent travelling in the company of Christ. I wondered what they would discovered during their journey, what they would gain from following Christ to Oxford, what they would bring back to our parish.

Pilgrimage is an important part of our tradition and faith, it's a time spent following Christ in physical actions, it's a journey with Him, it's a chance to refuel our faith.

Below you can read Jean's report to the Diocese, if you are interested in finding more out about the CWL Jean includes a link to their website. I would also be happy to talk to you about their organisation and work, and introduce you to Kate and Jean so you can find out more.

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CATHOLIC WOMEN’S LEAGUE

NATIONAL PILGRIMAGE 

On Wednesday 11th July 2012 Catholic Women’s League (CWL) members from Clifton Diocese travelled to Oxford for their National Pilgrimage. Over 400 members from all over England and Wales gathered at the church of St. Aloysius within the Oxford Oratory to hear Mass celebrated by the Rt. Rev Peter Doyle, Bishop of Northampton and CWL Ecclesiastical
Adviser. 

We were there to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the birth of Margaret Fletcher who founded the League in 1906. Margaret was born in1862 in Oxford. She died in 1943 and is buried in Begbroke Priory, Kidlington, just outside of Oxford. 

We were welcomed to the Oratory by the V Rev. Daniel Seward, Parish Priest and Provost at St. Aloysius. He told us that an old lady from the parish can remember Margaret Fletcher, who worshipped at St. Aloysius. Margaret was known to parishioners as Catty. Not as you may think due to a spiteful nature but because she kept about 14 cats at home. 

After Mass Margaret Richards, our National President, invited ladies and guests to take the short walk to Oxford town hall where afternoon tea was served.

If you are interested in joining the CWL or in any aspect of our work then please go to our website of www.catholicwomensleague.org 

Jean Coombs
Clifton Branch President

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