Easter Monday pilgrimage at St Albans Cathedral

The St Albans Cathedral Easter Monday pilgrimage. Picture: Arun Kataria (Image: Archant)

Around 900 people braved the rain to gather in St Albans on Easter Monday to celebrate the resurrection. The pilgrims formed a procession to walk the length of the cathedral, singing and waving their orders of service.

The service was led by the Bishop of St Albans, Dr Alan Smith, and the Bishop of Hertford, Dr Michael Beasley. The sub-dean of St Albans Cathedral, Canon Abi Thompson, also preached.

The St Albans Cathedral Easter Monday pilgrimage. Picture: Arun Kataria (Image: Archant)

A group from the University of Hertfordshire attended for the first time, accompanied by the Chaplain, the Revd Fiona Souter.

Two pilgrims, who are ordinands (trainee priests or ministers) in training from the diocese, set out from Cambridge on Good Friday and walked the entire 60-mile journey before arriving in St Albans in time for the Easter Monday service.

The St Albans Cathedral Easter Monday pilgrimage. Picture: Arun Kataria (Image: Archant)

They both received ‘Real Easter Eggs’, chocolate eggs which tell the story of Easter, from the Bishop for walking the furthest.

The St Albans Cathedral Easter Monday pilgrimage. Picture: Arun Kataria (Image: Archant)

The St Albans Cathedral Easter Monday pilgrimage. Picture: Arun Kataria (Image: Archant)

The St Albans Cathedral Easter Monday pilgrimage. Picture: Arun Kataria (Image: Archant)

The St Albans Cathedral Easter Monday pilgrimage. Picture: Arun Kataria (Image: Archant)

The St Albans Cathedral Easter Monday pilgrimage. Picture: Arun Kataria (Image: Archant)

The St Albans Cathedral Easter Monday pilgrimage. Picture: Arun Kataria (Image: Archant)

The St Albans Cathedral Easter Monday pilgrimage. Picture: Arun Kataria (Image: Archant)

The St Albans Cathedral Easter Monday pilgrimage. Picture: Arun Kataria (Image: Archant)

The St Albans Cathedral Easter Monday pilgrimage. Picture: Arun Kataria (Image: Archant)

Head virger Andy Clarke. Picture: Arun Kataria (Image: Archant)

Pilgrims from Northchurch. Picture: Arun Kataria (Image: Archant)

The St Albans Cathedral Easter Monday pilgrimage. Picture: Arun Kataria (Image: Archant)

The Bishop of St Albans with pilgrims. Picture: Arun Kataria (Image: Archant)

The start of the procession. Picture: Arun Kataria (Image: Archant)

University of Hertfordshire pilgrims in the Alban Way. Picture: Arun Kataria (Image: Archant)