PILGRIMS on a latest route in north-west Wales will probably be taking inspiration from the sixth-century saint Cadfan, who is assumed to have come from Brittany, and who established an abbot-led community at Tywyn (the beginning of the route) and a monastery on Ynis Enlli, Bardsey Island (its conclusion).
The 128-mile route, Llwybr Cadfan, was launched on Saturday. Its 12 stages absorb 17 historic churches and 6 holy wells, following the coast for much of the way in which and passing through many areas designated as of outstanding natural beauty.
It has been created by the diocese of Bangor, as a part of the £3-million Llan project: a seven-year undertaking that can mean the event of recent Welsh-language evangelistic resources, social-enterprise initiatives, and latest ministries focused on pilgrimage. It is enabled by the Church in Wales Evangelism Fund.
BANGOR DIOCESEPilgrims on the LLwybr Cadfan launch on Saturday
Places on the route thought to be having particular historical and spiritual interest include St Cybi’s Well, believed to carry healing properties, and St Hywyn’s, Aberdaron, the ultimate rest stop for pilgrims on the strategy to Ynys Enlli.
The Archbishop of Wales, the Most Revd Andrew John, spoke of a latest chapter within the renewed popularity of pilgrimage in Wales. “We have seen increasingly people explore their spirituality by walking ancient pilgrimage routes and visiting churches and holy wells to find our wealthy Christian heritage as they seek answers to life’s problems,” he said.
The Ministry Area Leader for Bro Eryri, Canon Naomi Starkey, walked the opening stage. “Wales has all the time been far less discovered in comparison with places like Lindisfarne and Iona,” she said on Monday.
“There has all the time been the rumour of a southern pilgrim trail; so it’s been really exciting to see something planned and waymarked to attach the interests which are on the market. It will probably be so good to learn in regards to the faith stories of those ancient buildings that may so easily just find yourself being tourist attractions, and are actually a part of the pilgrim story.
“I can just imagine saints like Cadfan seeing Bardsey when the clouds lifted, and pondering, “I’m going to get across there and have time apart with God.”
