This week Bangor marked the starting point for an ambitious pilgrimage that will take one man on a spiritual journey covering over 3000 kilometres and take approximately three months to complete.
French pilgrim Simon Derache, from Lyon in France, is re-tracing the steps of Bangor’s most famous Saint, Columbanus, on a journey that took the Saint through six European nations spreading the Christian message during the 7th Century. This challenging trip will see him walk the length of Ireland before travelling to England, France, Austria, Germany, Switzerland and finishing in late June in Bobbio, near Milan, the resting place of St Columbanus.
Wishing him “bon voyage” was the North Down Tourism Development Officer, Alex Irvine, who commented, “This pilgrimage highlights the importance that is placed on the legacy of Columbanus from within mainland Europe. To undertake such a journey shows true dedication and we wish Simon all the best for his epic journey”.
Simon’s visit is the first of a number of pilgrimages to Bangor in 2014 with another in June seeing a number of Italians and French arriving. It is expected that 2014 and 2015 will see an increase in followers of Columbanus visiting Bangor with the 1400th anniversary of the Saints death to be celebrated throughout the year from November 2014 to November 2015.