BBCH Pilgrimage

Residents, staff, families, and friends came together for a  pilgrimage walk around the Home, organised by a Resident, Janet. This thoughtful journey invited us to slow down and reflect as we visited several meaningful places within our grounds and buildings.

At each stopping point, we paused for prayer, short reflections, and moments of quiet, giving thanks for our community, for nature, and for all those who live and work here. Everyone was welcome to take part, joining the walk at whatever points felt comfortable for them.

If you weren’t able to join us on the pilgrimage walk, we hope the photos and prayers below give you a sense of the peaceful moments and reflections we shared along the way.

Gathering at the Entrance Gateway

At the Entrance Gateway, where every journey into the Home begins, we opened our pilgrimage with prayer.

“Lord, we pray for all who enter these gates, perhaps with some trepidation on starting a new life here. We ask you to support and sustain them and assure them of all the care they will receive. We thank you Lord for all the food and other supplies, workmen, and we pray for any ambulances coming to visit residents. Amen”

Reflection by the Pond

Our next stop was the pond, where we paused beside the water for reflection and prayer.

“We thank you Lord that we have fresh water at the turn of a tap and pray for those where water is scarce. We pray for fishermen and fish shop owners , including my grandson, who sell sustainably caught fish. We pray for this preservation and conservation of all fish supplies. Amen”

At this point, each person was offered a small shell and asked them to feel it, how beautifully it was made, and to feel the rough and the smooth side, and related that to our lives, and to thank God for both our rough and smooth times in our lives.

Blessing the Home

At the entrance to the main building. Janet had some ‘Holy chalk’  in a packet to mark a cross on the front door or on a stone and she had a flat stone for that, and a prayer.

 “Visit we beseech thee , o Lord , this house and family. Drive far from us all the snares of the enemy. May your holy angels dwell with us and guard us in peace and let your blessing be always upon us. Through Christ our Lord. Amen”

Quiet Moments in the Peace Garden

As we arrived

 “We give thanks, Lord, for this haven of peace and tranquility, where we can sit quietly, rest and reflect, away from the turmoil and strife going on in the world around us. We give thanks for the early Quakers who, working against incredible difficulties, started BBCH, and we thank you for our present day Quakers - Trustees- who continue to serve here today. We thank you for the gardeners who work hard to maintain these lovely grounds for us to enjoy. Let us have a few moments quiet to give thanks and enjoy this garden.”

A Time to Pause and Be Together

The pilgrimage walk allowed us to see familiar places in a new way and to appreciate the many people, past and present, who help make the Home such a caring and supportive place.

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