Pilgrims from across the Archdiocese journeyed to Our Lady’s Shrine at Walsingham on Saturday 9 May for the annual Archdiocesan Pilgrimage.

The day pilgrimage brought together clergy and laity for prayer, reflection and fellowship at England’s Nazareth, a place which has been a focus of Marian devotion for almost a thousand years, following Our Lady’s request for a replica of her home at Nazareth to be built there.

Many pilgrims travelled from parishes across the Archdiocese, returning once again to what is often described as a spiritual home, a place set apart from the busyness of everyday life and dedicated to peace and prayer.

Ahead of the pilgrimage, organiser Fr Philip Griffin shared a reflection on why Walsingham continues to draw pilgrims year after year. He described the Shrine as a place where Our Lady invites people simply “to be with her” and, through her, to be led more closely to her Son.

Echoing Mary’s words at Cana “Do whatever he tells you”, Fr Philip highlighted Walsingham as a place where pilgrims are helped to listen more attentively to the Lord, to discern their calling, and to rediscover the joy that comes from following Christ. He also reflected on Nazareth as the home of the Holy Family, encouraging prayer for families and homes today, that they may be places of faith, love and mutual care.

The spiritual heart of the pilgrimage was the celebration of Mass at the Shrine, celebrated by Vicar General, Canon Jonathan Veasey. Pilgrims gathered from across the Archdiocese around the altar in a strong expression of shared faith and unity.

Pilgrims returned home renewed by their time at Walsingham, carrying with them the peace of the Shrine and a renewed desire, in Fr Philip’s words, to make a place of honour for Christ in their own lives and homes.

Photo Gallery - By Con McHugh