trip to see passion plays

Dear Friends,
Franziska, Phill and I are preparing for our trip to Oberammergau, I have been thinking about pilgrimage. For many people going to Oberammergau is a pilgrimage and many who go carry a scallop shell – which is a symbol of the pilgrim.

The scallop shell is seen in many places, carved on churches, and on road signs marking pilgrim ways. Its origins are lost in time but its use probably originates from the pilgrims travelling to Santiago de Compostella in the 9th century where the shell can be found on the coast. The pilgrims had to journey on foot and relied on the scallop shell for use as a drinking vessel when they came to a stream.
So why a pilgrimage to Oberammergau? Back in the early 17th century the “Black Death” plague was rampant in Bavaria and the people were afraid that the plague would come into the village. They made a promise to God that they would perform the Play of the Saviour’s suffering and death every 10th year if God would deliver them from the disease. No one in the village died from the disease after the promise was made, so every 10 years the people in the village fulfil their promise, and re-enact the play. We will be joining 1,000s of people from all over the world to journey to this small Bavarian village to watch the re-enactment of the play and share the story of Christ’s Passion again.
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Throughout the history of pilgrimage pilgrims have had trials and tribulations to overcome as they journeyed to reach their goal. In Pilgrims Progress, Christian, the pilgrim, encounters many hardships on his way – the Slough of Despond, Vanity Fair, Doubting Castle, the Giant Despair and the Valley of Humiliation.
I think the latter day pilgrims are also going to encounter a few problems on their way! At the moment we are concerned about the Icelandic Dragon ( the volcano Eyjafjallajoekull) and the Blight of BA (the BA strike)! In true pilgrim tradition we will endeavour against all the problems that beset us with valiant hearts and steadfast courage.
On our return, like the pilgrims of old, we will carry our scallop shells, tell you of our adventures and share the spiritual experiences of our pilgrimage.
May God bless you this month as you continue your pilgrimage, journeying towards God, walking with our Saviour, in the power of the Spirit. Diana