The Dimensions of Love

Walking for Families. Praying for Vocations. Giving Thanks Together.

Inspired by the words of St Paul in Ephesians 3, The Dimensions of Love will take Fr Tom across the breadth, length, height and depth of our Diocese — a journey of thanksgiving, prayer and hope.

Along the way, Fr Tom will pray particularly for vocations, giving thanks for his own calling to the priesthood and inviting others to consider how God may be calling them to love and serve.

The pilgrimage will also raise awareness and funds for the work of Caritas Diocese of Shrewsbury, helping us continue to walk alongside children and families across our communities with practical support, compassion and hope.

Journey with Fr Tom in prayer

You don’t need walking boots to join the pilgrimage!

A special Dimensions of Love Pilgrim’s Novena has been created offering a way for people throughout the Diocese and beyond to accompany Fr Tom during each of the nine days.

Beginning on 3 September, each day explores a different dimension of the journey:

Breadth • Length • Height • Depth • Walking Together • Serving Others • Answering God’s Call • Thanksgiving • Sent Forth

Each includes a short Scripture passage, reflection, intention, prayer and simple action.

Day One Updates

Thanks for all the lovely messages.

14km in and this is lunch on day 1 after a beautiful Mass at West Kirby this morning.

Day Two Updates

Lunch on day 2.

I had a beautiful start with Mass with Fr Godlove and Deacon Tony and then a beautiful walk down the canal (I saw a kingfisher!) but then had avery tough hour with boggy farmland, paths and stiles overgrown with nettles and brambles and even a major construction site blocking the bridleway!

Things are back on track now and I've found a cafe to have a break.

Day Three Updates

Absolutely beautiful day's walking but hard. Lots of climbs and descents. 35,996 steps for the day. Very tired legs.

Day Four Updates

As he finishes day 4 of his pilgrimage, Fr. Tom also completes the Cheshire section. More beautiful photos to share…

Day Five Updates

There's been a lot of farmland which, while it has it's own beauty, isn't terribly photogenic!

I've covered 15km this morning, which is about what I would want, but, between making up for lost mileage yesterday and not having stayed in the right place, I'm really about 7km behind where I had hoped and there's no way I'll be able to finish in Hadnall today.

My plan is to finish in Wem today and then, without a heavy pack, and by taking a more direct route through Shrewsbury, to make up some time and mileage tomorrow

Day Six Updates

Reached Shrewsbury today. Mass at the Cathedral at 12pm. Beautiful, beautiful afternoon today

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Day Seven Updates

Lunch on Day 7.

There have been some difficult paths, and some difficult animals(!), but  also some wonderful views and we've made decent time so just give miles left for the day. Made it to Church Stretton.

Day Eight Updates

A beautiful, but at times steep, morning coming out of Little Stretton today. Some lovely views and, despite a road closure and a malfunctioning level crossing, things have gone ok. 15km left to Ludlow!

Evening update off Fr. Tom:

It was a long day today. With the detours it was over 30km or 18.75 miles. The grey weather and light rain throughout the afternoon was good for walking but a bit of a let down for the arrival at Ludlow.

Day Nine Updates

Day 9. Last day. Mass at the bountiful Church of St Alban here in Macclesfield at 9.30 and then the climb up into the Peak District to the highest point in the Diocese. Forecast doesn't look too bad:

A word of reflection and thanksgiving from Fr. Tom:

It's great to be back in the Parish after five days away completing the Thanksgiving Pilgrimage.

Yesterday afternoon's climb to the heights of Shining Tor was a fitting end with challenging terrain, wonderful views and good company.

Once again, we had very little rain - one of the features of the whole pilgrimage for which I am very thankful.

As I reflect on all the graces of the last nine days, I give thanks particularly for all those who helped organise the pilgrimage: Trish, Deacon John and especially Claire from Caritas; the Priests and Parishes who welcomed me so warmly along the way and the volunteers who so generously helped me to get from stops along the route to the Parishes hosting the Masses we offered along the way. Thank you to Kevin, Tom, Barry, Ian, Becky, Mark, Christine, Tony, Patrick, Morris & Fran, Mark & Marie and Jerome, whose local knowledge helped enrich our experience of the final day.

Thanks to all who have prayed for vocations and donated to the important work of Caritas Shrewsbury. You are all in my prayers.