Aylesford Priory 2017

Our Day Pilgrimage to Aylesford Priory Sunday 11th June 2017

Having just celebrated the feast day of our Patron Saint Columba on Friday 9th, it was fitting that our Council once again journeyed to the Knights Southern Area Pilgrimage at Aylesford Priory where we are always made to feel at home.

Just like last year, we took a coach of Knights and parishioners from across the Southend parishes, and we were delighted that two of the nuns from Nazareth House were able to join us.

With the Southend sunshine in tow, we arrived with plenty of time to settle in for the 51st Annual pilgrimage and Mass was said by Monsignor Matthew Dickens (Vicar General for Southwark) with Reverend Father Innocent Obonyi concelebrating on the feast of the Holy Trinity. Monsignor Matthew recognised and thanks the Knights across the country for the work we do for our clergy, for our parishes and for the community, and we are grateful for the opportunity to serve and support our clergy in working in our communities.

During Mass, three of our members amongst thirty three were elevated to full Knighthood with our Supreme Knight Brother Charlie, and Deputy Supreme Knight Brother Bertie leading the short ceremony.

Brothers Duncan, Charles and Jerry (front to back) ready to become full Knights

After Mass, and then lunch, we had time to wander around the peaceful grounds that the Carmelites care for so well, and the day finished with a Rosary Procession and Benediction before boarding the coach back to Southend. All in all a brilliant day with a chance to reflect, to give thanks, and to be together with our families and friends.