Vicar's Bit For December
Pilgrim – Revd Canon John Longuet-Higgins with the Venerable Hilary Dawson
1500 years ago St Columba wrote this beautiful prayer. Alone with none but thee, my God, I journey on my way. What need I fear, when thou art near, O king of night and day? More safe am I within your hand than would a host around me stand.
In the new year we shall be running the ‘Pilgrim’ course – information about this will be given next month. ‘Pilgrim’ is a course for the Christian journey. As Psalm 86.11 says, teach me your way, O Lord, and I will walk in your truth.
Being a pilgrim is a big theme this month: Pilgrim reminds us of Mary’s and Joseph’s journey to Bethlehem (celebrated on December 24th/25), and soon after the birth of Christ, their journey to Egypt (celebrated on December 28th), followed by the journey of the Wise Men’s at Epiphany (celebrated on January 4th 2026).
Our much loved Hilary Dawson, Archdeacon of Gloucester, retired at the end of November. She reflects, as she leaves, on the two Emmaus pilgrims (celebrated in Luke at Easter), and on being pilgrims today …
‘We are pilgrim people, working out what to leave behind and what treasures to take for the journey. As I reflect on my time here in the diocese, I can see that that creative process of balancing rootedness and pilgrimage has been, and is, integral to our life together, shaping our priorities for ministry and mission across the diocese, our conversations about finance, buildings and governance, and the whole deanery strategic planning process.
My overwhelming feeling as I look back is one of gratitude. It’s been a privilege to serve both as Archdeacon of Gloucester and as a Residentiary Canon of Gloucester Cathedral. There are many treasures I will take away. Here are just three.
I’ve been moved by the way that difference and diversity is lived in this diocese, underpinned by strong relationships and mutual respect. It’s a gift we can never underestimate and should always cherish as we learn from one another.
I’ve been awed by the often costly faithfulness of individuals and worshipping communities, serving their wider communities diligently through times of joy and significant challenge.
And I’m so thankful for the friendship, kindness and support that has come from relationships forged in this place.
As the travellers walk away from Jerusalem on the road to Emmaus, Jesus falls into step beside them. He listens to them and opens up the scriptures. They invite him in and, at the breaking of the bread, they recognise him, their hearts burn within them, and they go out to share the good news of the resurrection.
As we travel on, Jesus meets us where we are. He reminds us of the story which shapes us and the treasures among us. And he opens our eyes to the grace and glory which surround us, that we might be his bearers of love and hope’.