Places of Worship Pilgrimage visit

In July we welcomed the Places of Worship Pilgrimage group for a short tour and reflection time.  Here, Canon Dr Andrew Smith gives an account of the visit. 

Handsworth is known as an area of religious diversity, and the stories of the places of worship and who worships there tell us a lot about the area and how it has changed. We have developed a Heritage Trail around the area that looks at Handsworth and Lozells through the perspective of places of worship. In July 12 of us walked the trial as an act of pilgrimage, taking time to pause, reflect and look for signs of God and godliness in the area. As people of different faiths, we were inspired by the stories we encountered and the hospitality we received. We ended our visit at St Mary’s Convent where we were warmly welcomed. For many of us it was our first visit and were struck by the beauty of the building and the history of worship and service of the nuns. We were able to spend time in the garden in peaceful reflection at the end of our day, thankful for all we had seen, heard and learnt on our pilgrimage. 

Canon Dr Andrew Smith
Director of Interfaith Relations for the Bishop of Birmingham