Photo: Archbishop Sarah and Bishop Jonathan walk down through Broomhill Park, Strood
Archbishop Sarah Mullally embarked on a 6-day walking pilgrimage from London to Canterbury in March as part of her spiritual preparation ahead of her Installation service at Canterbury Cathedral on Wednesday 25 March.
Her pilgrimage took her through Rochester Diocese where she was quietly welcomed to morning and evening prayer at various churches along the way.
On day three of her pilgrimage, Bishop Jonathan was part of a small group who joined her at Broomhill Park, Strood, to accompany her as she walked down into Rochester itself.
Along the way, they took the opportunity to speak with passers-by and hand out prayer cards before being welcomed at the Pilgrims' Door at Rochester Cathedral.
Photo: Archbishop Sarah speaks with people along the way
After a much needed stop for lunch in the Cathedral Crypt, Archbishop Sarah then joined Rochester Riverside School for a time of collective worship, in which she spoke to the children about pilgrimage and answered any questions they had.
She then finished the day as part of the congregation for Evensong in the Cathedral, during which she received a pilgrim's blessing.
Photo: Archbishop Sarah was welcomed by members of the Cathedral team for Evensong at Rochester Cathedral
The following day, Archbishop Sarah walked onto into Alyesford, which sits just on the border of Rochester and Canterbury Dioceses. There she met the Carmelite brothers of Aylesford Priory, who, after a time of private prayer together, sent Archbishop Sarah on her way with the singing of hymns of praise.
Photo: Archbishop Sarah answers the questions of young people at Rochester Riverside C of E School, and has a time of prayer at Aylesford Priory
Reflecting on Archbishop Sarah's pilgrimage and her journey through the Diocese, Bishop Jonathan said:
"It is a great privilege to have welcomed Archbishop Sarah. Historically, Rochester and Canterbury have always been closely connected, and we both share the pastoral care of the people of Kent across the two dioceses.
"The day was a focus on Archbishop Sarah as a pilgrim, as an ordinary human being on her journey towards the place where God is calling her, supported by other pilgrims, and responding to God's call upon her life.
"Sarah is entering into a huge responsibility but she is doing it not in her own strength but because God has called her by name, God is walking with her on this journey towards Canterbury, and God will walk with her on the journey that lies ahead after her installation."