For centuries pilgrims have worn a badge as a visible sign of their pilgrimage. Often this would be obtained on arrival at Canterbury and thrown into the Thames on the pilgrim’s return to the capital.
Now a badge is available at Southwark Cathedral for those setting out from there for Canterbury.
The badge of St Mary Overie (overie means over the river) is a replica inspired by a fragment of a 15th century medieval badge found by Cathedral Mudlark in Residence, Lara Maiklem, on the Thames foreshore near the Cathedral.
Mary is depicted holding Jesus with a lily and a dove, a symbol of the Holy Spirit. The Latin inscription Ave Maria means Hail Mary.
The cathedral, the successor to ancient St Mary Overie Priory, is the Cathedral and Collegiate Church of St Saviour and St Mary Overie.
The badges are on sale (£8) at the Cathedral Shop where you can also obtain a pilgrim passport and first stamp.
Those wishing to arrange a blessing before setting out on their own pilgrimage can contact Canon Michael Rawson via email: michael.rawson@southwark.anglican.org
