Good Friday, a welcome beginning to the Easter weekend; groups of young people relaxing outside, clustered around cafe tables in the early evening light; a procession of people of all ages, some in companionable silence, others gently intoning Taize like chants, slowly winds its way through the St Albans City streets; but puzzled stares focus on the heavy wooden Cross being carried.

To many, the tradition of Pancakes, Hot Cross Buns, and Easter eggs, makes  satisfying additions to the usual winter food. To  Chriistians, the pancakes of Shrove Tuesday preface Lent, a time of prayer, fasting and good deeds; the Hot Cross Buns, traditionally eaten on Good Friday, remind us of the reality of the Cross, as the ultimate sign of God's love for us. The Easter eggs are a symbol of the new life in God.

Arriving at the Abbey, the Cross is erected before the altar, and our pilgrims join the others already seated there. Together we join in a short Ecumenical service of quiet and meditation. Individuals from different churches, sometimes in pairs, sometimes alone, read Bible passages, poems and prayers. One year, differently coloured ribbons were brought up to the foot of the Cross by each pilgrim, to be tied together as  a symbol of united prayers.

Join the Churches Together in St Albans Cross procession, leaving SS Alban & Stephen Church, Beaconsfield Road on Good Friday, March 29 at 7.20pm, on its journey, or at the Abbey.