The new Archbishop of Canterbury, the Most Revd and Rt Hon Dame Sarah Mullally DBE, has begun a 6-day pilgrimage from St Paul's Cathedral in London to Canterbury Cathedral in Kent. Walking an 87-mile journey (140 km), it is part of her spiritual preparation for her Installation service to be held at Canterbury Cathedral on Wednesday, 25 March. The pilgrimage is the first of its kind in modern history undertaken by an Archbishop of Canterbury before their installation.

Following a brief service titled ‘The Archbishop’s camino – A journey of pilgrimage, prayer and encounter’ at St Paul’s on Tuesday, 17 March, Archbishop Sarah set off, accompanied by her husband Eamonn and other pilgrims. The service included a blessing on the pilgrims' staffs and prayers for the journey ahead. Archbishop Sarah also presented the Officiant of the service with a shell as a symbol of pilgrimage and hospitality.

Archbishop Sarah and those accompanying her will walk along the Becket Camino route along stretches of the Thames Path, the Via Britannica and the Augustine Camino. The group will join Morning and Evening Prayer services at churches, cathedrals and abbeys en route, visit schools and meet with ecumenical organisations.

Planned stops include Southwark Cathedral and Aylesford Priory, the Shrine of St Jude in Faversham, Lesnes Abbey and Rochester Cathedral. This route is significant because it is the route believed to have been travelled by the 12th-century Archbishop of Canterbury and Chancellor of England, Thomas Becket, a saint in many Christian traditions.

Speaking from the steps of St Paul's, she spoke to worshippers, school pupils and wellwishers, thanking them for their support and inviting them to pray for her: 'Thank you so much for coming to be here today... Do join with me in praying over the next five to six days as I walk to Canterbury.... Do pray for me and I will continue to pray for you, that together we journey with God and into God, but most importantly with each other.'

Following the service, the Secretary General of the Anglican Communion (the Rt Revd Anthony Poggo) shared a message of encouragement for Archbishop Sarah’s pilgrimage, saying, ‘It is a wonderful opportunity for her to start this pilgrimage from St Paul’s, where she was bishop and going on to become Archbishop of Canterbury. A pilgrimage is such an important event in the life of a Christian because all of us are pilgrims. In this particular case, she has been preparing herself as she starts work in her role as Archbishop of Canterbury.’

Well-wishers on social media have also expressed support. An 82-year old in New Zealand wrote: ‘I’m in New Zealand now and have to use a wheelchair, but I'm with you in spirit all the way… I will be 82 and have lived to see the first woman become Archbishop of Canterbury! I am so blessed and so is the world! I am sure you will be greeted in so many little places along the way and be a blessing to many people who are lucky enough to talk to you. I wish I could be with you physically, but I'll be following your journey.’

One offered a prayer, writing: 'God of the journey, we thank you for the ancient paths of faith and for those who step out today to follow them. We pray for Archbishop Sarah as she walks the way to Canterbury; give her and Eamonn strength for the miles, eyes to see your beauty in the Kent countryside, and ears to hear your voice in the stories of those they meet. As she follows in the footsteps of the saints, may this pilgrimage be a time of deep preparation and peace. Grant her a heart for the world, a vision for your Church, and the constant companionship of your Spirit. Bless the beginning of this new chapter in her ministry, that she may lead us closer to the One who is the Way, the Truth, and the Life. Amen.’

Another supporter wrote, ‘What an incredible journey you're about to embark on, Archbishop Sarah. Walking in faith and prayer is such a powerful way to prepare for your installation. You'll be in my thoughts and prayers as you make your way to Canterbury.’

Find out more about the pilgrimage of the new Archbishop of Canterbury.

Find out about pilgrimage routes to Canterbury.

Learn more about the Installation of the Archbishop of Canterbury and where to watch the livestream of the service.