From the Bishop

From the Bishop

The Rt. Rev. Douglas J. Fisher, IX Bishop of Western Massachusetts

In the spirit of this issue, I want to share a few photos from the five pilgrimages I’ve made since becoming your bishop in 2012.

Photo 1: My wife Betsy and I made the journey to Iona in Scotland in 2014. This ancient “thin place” was remarkable in beauty and steeped in the richness of monastic prayer.

Photo #1

Photos: Episcopal WMA and Betsy Fisher

Photo 2: In 2014 and 2015 I walked each corridor of our diocese on foot. It was transformational for me to meet Episcopalians in the world of work and to find our churches like a seeker.

Photo #2

Photos: Episcopal WMA and Betsy Fisher

Photo 3: In 2017, I joined Province I faithful for a pilgrimage down the Connecticut River in kayaks.

Photo #3

Photos: Episcopal WMA and Betsy Fisher

Photos 4 and 5: Next on my list was the Camino in Spain. I made this pilgrimage with my son, Geoff, in 2018.

Photo #4

Photos: Episcopal WMA and Betsy Fisher

Photo #5

Photos: Episcopal WMA and Betsy Fisher

Photo 6: And in 2019, Betsy and I joined our diocesan pilgrimage to the Holy Land.

Photo #6

Photos: Episcopal WMA and Betsy Fisher

Each of these pilgrimages began with a dream—a longing that took shape and moved me to make it happen. As you read about the many pilgrimages described in these pages, I hope you will consider making one of your own. Whether it is a journey to a sight of great holiness or a trip across our diocese to learn about an innovative ministry, it’s good to remind ourselves that followers of Jesus are always pilgrims on the way to deeper faith and deeper life. ♦

+Doug