Hundreds of people from across the Archdiocese took part in the annual Diocesan Day Pilgrimage to the Shrine of Our Lady of Walsingham on Saturday 10 May 2025.

This year’s pilgrimage was extra special as it is the Year of Jubilee and our new Holy Father, Pope Leo XIV, has just been appointed.

Spirits were high amongst the several hundred who had made the journey to Walsingham, Norfolk, and the sun shone all day.

Archbishop Bernard Longley celebrated the Mass of Our Lady of Walsingham, which took place in the Chapel of Reconciliation.

In his homily, the Archbishop reflected on the significance of the Holy Spirit’s presence throughout Mary’s life—from the Annunciation to Pentecost.

He emphasised the deep connection between Mary and the faithful, inviting us all to embrace her maternal guidance, unity in mission, and the grace bestowed upon her, reminding pilgrims that their own journey of faith is strengthened through her intercession.

Full Homily

Afterwards the Pilgrims’ Mile procession to the Priory ruins took place, concluding with a time of prayer at the site of the Holy House, led by Fr Philip Griffin, Pilgrimage Organiser.

Several hundred people represented the Archdiocese with coaches coming from parishes including Corpus Christi, Oxford; Sacred Heart, Tamworth; Holy Trinity, Newcastle-under-Lyme; Our Lady and All Saints, Stourbridge; Holy Cross, Walmley, Sutton Coldfield; West Heath, Birmingham and St Anne’s, Nuneaton.

Before Mass pilgrims had the chance to visit the Slipper Chapel and Chapel of Reconciliation, as well as the Shrine shop and café. It was wonderful to see so many enjoying picnics in the beautiful grounds.

The annual visit to the Catholic National Shrine and Basilica of Our Lady takes place every year, and marks the start of the diocesan pilgrimage season, with Lourdes, Hednesford and Harvington to follow.

Given this year is the Jubilee Year, parishes are also invited to organise pilgrimages to one of the Jubilee churches/sites in the Archdiocese. They have been chosen by His Grace as particular places of pilgrimage, and for the granting of the indulgence.

Jubilee Year information

The Shrine of Our Lady at Walsingham was established around 1061 when, according to the text of the Pynson Ballad (c 1485), Richeldis de Faverches prayed that she might undertake some special work in honour of Our Lady.

The original shrine was destroyed in the Reformation, but in 1896 Charlotte Pearson Boyd purchased the 14th century Slipper Chapel, the last of the wayside chapels enroute to Walsingham and restored it for Catholic use. It was declared the National Shrine of Our Lady for Catholics in England in 1934. It is important as it is a shrine of the annunciation and the incarnation.

Discover Walsingham

Photo Gallery

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The beginning of the Pilgrims' Mile procession

Enroute during the Pilgrims' Mile procession

The end of the Pilgrims' Mile procession is in sight

Following the procession Fr Philip Griffin, Pilgrimage Organiser, leads a time of prayer

Archbishop Bernard leads the pilgrimage in a final prayer