THE Archbishop of York and the RC Bishop of Middlesbrough, the Rt Revd Terry Drainey, led an ecumenical pilgrimage through York on Wednesday, inspired by the late Pope Francis’s call to “walk together, work together, and pray together”.
The pilgrimage, which culminated in an ecumenical service at York Minster, was to mark Pope Francis’s Jubilee Year 2025, the theme of which is “Pilgrims of Hope”.
Archbishop Cottrell and Bishop Drainey walked together from the shrine of St Margaret Clitherow, on The Shambles, and met pilgrims gathered at the south door of the Minster.
The ecumenical service included the renewal of baptismal promises, and drew on both Anglican and Roman Catholic liturgies.
Before the service, Archbishop Cottrell said: “When I met with the late Pope Francis, he encouraged us to walk together, work together, and pray together. This opportunity to gather in York Minster is doing just that. We are all part of the family of God — sisters and brothers on the Way.”
Bishop Drainey said: “In this year when we mark the 1700th anniversary of the Nicene Creed, it is especially meaningful to stand alongside one another and profess together: This is our faith; this is the faith of the Church, and we are proud to profess it in Christ Jesus our Lord. Amen.”
The Archbishop concluded: “It was a great joy to be present at Pope Leo’s installation mass, and I was greatly encouraged when he expressed his commitment to seeking the re-establishment of full and visible communion among all those who profess the same faith in God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. I look forward to this time of prayer, friendship, and shared witness as we build stronger bridges across our traditions.”
