Priest braves heatwave on 108-mile walk to shine a light on persecuted Christians
AS the UK swelters amid soaring temperatures, a parish priest has begun a gruelling 108‑mile walk through a heatwave he “never planned for” – to mark a historic anniversary and raise urgent funds for persecuted families.
Father Arockiya Seelan, parish priest of the Sacred Heart and St Oswald in Peterborough, is undertaking a six-day pilgrimage to mark the Golden Jubilee of the Diocese of East Anglia, which will be celebrated at St John’s Cathedral, Norwich, on Friday (26th June).
At the same time, the 48-year-old is using the longest days of the year to draw attention to those who live in the shadow of persecution – hoping to raise £1,000 for Catholic charity Aid to the Church in Need (ACN), as it marks the 10th anniversary of its global #RedWednesday campaign.
Fr Seelan said: “I’m walking 108 miles over six days, but I didn’t consider the fact the temperature will be in the 33, 34 degrees – I’ll have to start early in the morning because it’s going to be hot, it’s going to be exhausting.”
Fr Seelan said: “I’m walking 108 miles over six days, but I didn’t consider the fact the temperature will be in the 33, 34 degrees – I’ll have to start early in the morning because it’s going to be hot, it’s going to be exhausting.”
But he added: “There are persecuted Christians – especially children in Kenya and across Africa, who have to walk long distances to protect themselves from conflict and violence. I’m not really a walker so having a purpose will help.
“I have also told people they are welcome to walk with me, even if it’s only two hours or a longer stretch.”
The priest set off last Saturday (20th June) after his parish fair accompanied by some parishioners.
On Sunday he left at 4am to reach Spalding in time to celebrate Mass before continuing to Holbeach.
But today (22nd June) he returned briefly to Peterborough to conduct a funeral and a memorial service.
“You can’t tell people not to die,” he added.
Walking 23 miles a day his journey will include a stop in Walsingham on Wednesday before continuing through Great Ryburgh, Thorpe Marriott and finally Norwich Cathedral.
The Diocese of East Anglia was established in 1976, and Fr Seelan said the pilgrimage was “an act of thanksgiving to God for the abundant blessings bestowed upon our Diocese over the past fifty years”.
He said he would be praying for all the bishops, priests, parish workers, catechists, readers, sacristans, musicians, carers, “and all who quietly and generously serve the Church”.
Every donation received by Fr Seelan will be doubled through ACN’s £1Million4Hope Matched Challenge, supporting children growing up amid violence, discrimination, and displacement.
