Bishop of Southwark Christopher Chessun, who has often spoken about pilgrimage, this week returned to the theme in a letter announcing his retirement next year.

‘During my time in Southwark I have very much enjoyed leading diocesan and co-leading ecumenical pilgrimages, particularly to the Holy Land,’ writes the Bishop in his letter to the diocese dated Advent Sunday.

‘In recent years I have a very strong sense of how important the reality and metaphor of journey and pilgrimage is in the Christian Faith. It is the Way, as we seek together to understand God’s loving purposes for us, to speak well of each other, and to honour our Baptism and participation in Christ.

‘I have a heartfelt desire, God willing, to continue to serve Christ’s Church, but my own personal sense of pilgrimage is captured in Walter Raleigh’s poem, ‘The Passionate Man’s Pilgrimage’:

Give me my scallop shell of quiet,
My staff of faith to walk upon,
My scrip of joy, immortal diet,
My bottle of salvation,
My gown of glory, hope’s true gage,
And thus I’ll take my pilgrimage.

‘It has been a privilege to make my pilgrimage with you over these years. You have been hearty companions. I am confident that in God’s providence there will be joy and sustenance for each and every Southwark pilgrim in the faithful years to come, the Lord himself being our helper.’