WELCOME
to my 'plog'

Almost two years ago I made a promise to myself that I would come back to Norwich to celebrate Julian's Feast Day and I would stay on the site of her shrine at All Hallows Guest House. As Josie and I sat in Julian's Church bathed in sunlight preparing ourselves for the Solemn Feast Day Mass, tears filled my eyes and all I could say was Thank You, Thank You, Thank You. I am so grateful to all of those who supported me through 12 months of back pain, surgery and recovery -this

These well-known words from Julian of Norwich can comfort us for Julian said that God did not say "Thou shalt not be tempested, thou shalt not be travailed, thou shalt not be dis-eased; " but God said," thou shalt not be overcome." Life tests us in many ways - in sickness and pain, in grief and loss, in loneliness and depression. These trials may cause our faith to falter. Julian asked her God whether there was anywhere on earth that a lover of God was kept safe but this was

I guess all pilgrims set off with mixed feelings - there is sadness at leaving those you love behind, there is anxiety about travelling in our conflicted and troubled world, and there is anticipation that in a few days I will be in Julian's shrine in Norwich, celebrating her feast day. One creature with constant feelings in my house is our one year old Jack Russell Terrior Clancy. He clings to my side, he casts suspicious glances at my suitcase and he definitely does not thin

May I introduce (or reintroduce) Cuthbert my furry travelling companion who knows more about the Celtic Saints than I do. This time in 2024 Cuthbert traversed four countries in three continents visiting everyone from Brigid of Kildare to Thomas Merton. He even got to share a Flying Otter ale in Vancouver. So when he saw the pilgrimage books and maps come out Cuthbert got very excited and made sure he was on the packing list. Cuthbert is named for St. Cuthbert of Lindisfarne,