A FERMANAGH cleric said his barefoot walk to Dublin to raise money for a number of organisation was “a spiritual disciple in itself” after he clocked up 180 kilometres in two weeks.
Rev Stephen McWhirter, Rector of Rossorry Parish Church, concluded his barefoot walk at St Patrick’s Cathedral in Dublin on Sunday, April 13, where he was joined by local parishioners.
The cleric has raised £6,855 in his ‘Soles for Souls’ fundraiser, raising money for the development of a new Community Hub at Rossorry, on the outskirts of Enniskillen, and the Aisling Centre.
Rev. McWhirter stopped off overnight in churches across the island and he was delighted to receive an outpouring of support for his fundraiser, which is aiming to support people in need.
“It was very difficult. I thought my feet were up to it – they were, but it was much harder than I thought it would be,” the Rector of Rossorry Parish Church told the ‘Irish Independent’.
“I’ve done it now, but I wouldn’t be up to doing it again. The walk was so hard, I had to focus on each step, each day. That was a spiritual discipline in itself.”
The Rector of Rossorry Parish Church also stopped off at local schools where he shared stories of previous pilgrimages and spiritual reflections, as well as his thoughts on the recent walk.
He was accompanied on the way by a support vehicle of parishioners from Rossorry Parish Church and a wooden staff, which was owned by his late father, Rory.
“I gave up shoes last Lent and have only worn them occasionally since,” explained the local cleric.
“Walking barefoot is really good for your mental health because every single step is purposeful.
“You have got to watch where you are putting your feet, which doesn’t allow your head to fill with rubbish. I would encourage people to go out and walk on a beach or walk on grass in your bare feet because it is really good for your mind.”
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