Pilgrimage to the tomb of St. Peter along Via Francigena

A Bishop introduces the rite of blessing saying:

Dear friends, the pilgrimage we are about to begin is a sign of the itinerant condition of the Church, God's people on their way to heavenly Jerusalem. Also the Synod of bishops that the Church is celebrating is a sign of a journey that the community of believers wants to accomplish as a response to God's call; we want to tell the young Samuel, "speak, Lord, your servant is listening". The place toward which we are moving is calling each of us to the renewal of Christian life and a profession of faith more committed and responsible because through prayer, we become ready to give the reason for the hope that is in us. We walk and meet brothers and sisters with whom we share the grace of believing in Jesus Christ: take them as a gift to the testimony of one faith professed at the tomb of the Apostle St. Peter in order to enrich us in mutual edification, for the glory and praise of the most Holy Trinity. In the name of Christ, go in peace.