Pilgrimages in the Wairarapa

Sesqui Centennial 1858 - 2008

Celebrating 150 years as the Anglican Church in the Diocese of Wellington.

May 17th 2008

The Sesqui will be marked with a series of four pilgrimages throughout the Wairarapa during the month of May. These pilgrimages, which began on May 17, will take people to Anglican congregations to learn and share in their heritage and their hopes for the future. The pilgrimages will include a service at one of the churches visited each day, as well as prayer and reflection at the others.

As the conclusion of the Northern Pilgrimage, Rathkeale warmly welcomed participants to St Martin's on the Close. The Pilgrimage candle, which will travel on each pilgrimage, nestled in the golden candlelight of St Martin's. We were delighted that John Pinner, a former Rathkeale Chaplain and Richard Norman, eldest son of John Norman, the founding Principal of Rathkeale, joined us at St Martin's.

Given the significance of Night Prayer in the Rathkeale community it was most appropriate that the Northern Pilgrimage ended in St Martin's as dusk fell and the Goodnight Prayer of the Church was read.

Sesqui Centennial Pilgrimage Diary

The Prayer for the month of May featuring St Martin's on the Close.

God of our Journeys,

We give thanks for this good land

and the seeds of faith that took root

and grew here.

We thank you for the spirit of generosity

and the vision of those who have gone before us.

We thank you for the rich heritage entrusted to us.

Help us to draw strength and confidence

from the enduring faith shown throughout our history.

May we serve you with a generous and trusting spirit