In this first full episode of our eighth season, Jo and Kathy speak about responding to the prompts of the Holy Spirit to share their faith, whether with friends and family, clients and even complete strangers. They also discussed the power of the Word of God, and of music to ground our faith.

They spoke of the importance of fellowship, avoiding comparisons and being present where you are.

Kathy referred to the scripture from Romans 8: 38 - 39, and of a song:

I Belong by Kathryn Scott & Mildred Rainey (available here: https://youtu.be/fU0pK85Xp9g?si=8qmYdoFjLUlX3wg7)

Jo mentioned another song, New Every Morning by the Porter’s Gate (available here:

https://open.spotify.com/track/3HC0PwXcH9QvdKZYaSiBs9? Lsi=gsf9TWXiQIOPo2lcYRrcNg )

In this episode Iffa and Alice look back over our Pilgrims of Hope season, and look ahead to season 8.

For updates about future Beloved and Desired retreats check the Sion Community website www.sioncommunity.org.uk or email [email protected] to be added to our mailing list.

Season 7 Episode 12: A Pilgrimage to Rome

As the jubilee year draws to a close, Iffa reflects with her mum Marie, on a recent pilgrimage to Rome, including passing through the holy doors of the major churches of Rome. You can listen to the pilgrims of hope song that Iffa and Marie spoke of here https://youtu.be/mYrdhefZCaU?si=ExOfZKJAf3Se-UEq

Season 7 Episode 11. A pilgrimage to Bethlehem

In this episode Alice recalls her pilgrimage to the holy land at Christmas time, what she describes as an extraordinary journey into the ordinary. She refers to two particular scriptures: Song of Songs 2:10 “Arise my love, my beautiful one, and come away.” and Zechariah 9:9 “Rejoice, beloved daughter of Zion, your king has come to you.”

She also invites us to pray with this song: We Make Space by Melissa Helser, available at https://open.spotify.com/track/1w3FG6fYlXLN70Yyxl8eCr?si=oG8GjtnNQSiphM9-bfyf6w

Season 7 Episode 10. In the footsteps of St Benedict. In this episode we are joined by Pauline, who is reflecting on her lifelong commitment to the Lay Community of St Benedict, and her recent journey to visit some of the key places where he lived. You can find more about the Lay Community on their website www.lcsb.uk

Season 7 Episode 9, a pilgrimage to Lourdes. In this episode we join Jenny as she reflects on a recent pilgrimage to Lourdes.

Season 7 Episode 8, a Camino

In this episode we join Siân as she walks and reflects on her Camino pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela in Spain.

Season 7 Episode 7, a pilgrimage to Walsingham. In this episode we join Jo, as she walks and shares her reflections on her pilgrimages to Walsingham. During the episode she encourages us all to retreat, and one option for doing this is by booking onto the Beloved retreat, taking place at the end of October. Bookings are now open via the website sioncommunity.org.uk

Jo invites us to pray this prayer from the Walsingham way: O Holy Spirit, beloved of my soul.

I adore you. Enlighten me, guide me, strengthen me, console me.

Tell me what I should do. Give me your orders.

I promise to submit myself to all that you desire of me, and to accept all that you permit to happen to me.

Let me only know your will.

Amen

Season 7 Episode 6, a pilgrimage of endings and beginnings. In this sixth episode of our 2025 season, Pilgrims of Hope, Kathy reflects on times of transition. She reminds us of the words from 2 Corinthians 5:17, that for those of us who are with Christ, the old has gone and the new is here.

If you have yet to take part in a Beloved retreat, bookings are now open for the October weekend. All details are there on the Sion Community website www.sioncommunity.org.uk

Season 7 Episode 5, the pilgrimage of life. In this episode, we join Joan Watson, as she walks and reflects on her experiences of pilgrimage. You can find more information about her work on her website https://www.joanwatson.faith or listen to her podcast, In Via, available here: https://versoministries.com/in-via/

Joan has also written some books:

Opening the Holy Door: Hope-filled Reflections from St Peter’s Basilica (from Ave Maria Press)

Making a Pilgrimage: A Companion for Catholics (from Emmaus Press)

In her prayer, Alice led us through day 5 of the Surrender Novena. You can find all the details of this wonderful prayer here https://catholicexchange.com/the-surrender-novena-let-jesus-take-care-of-everything/