Feast of Our Lady of Walsingham: Thousands join Westminster pilgrimage to shrine

On Saturday 20 September, more than two thousand pilgrims from parishes across the Diocese of Westminster gathered at the Shrine of Our Lady of Walsingham for the annual diocesan pilgrimage. It was one of the largest turnouts in recent years, with coaches leaving parishes before dawn to bring the faithful to England’s national shrine.

The pilgrimage was led by Cardinal Vincent Nichols, accompanied by Canon Chris Vipers, Acting Director of the Pilgrimage. On arrival, Cardinal Nichols celebrated Mass in the Basilica of Our Lady of Walsingham, inviting pilgrims in his homily to entrust their lives to Mary, who stood at the foot of the Cross and was the first to rejoice in the risen Christ.

After Mass, pilgrims set off along the Holy Mile, walking together in prayerful procession while reciting the Rosary and singing hymns. They gathered again at Walsingham Priory before concluding the day with Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, led by the Cardinal.

Among those attending was a large group from the Parish of Stevenage, who brought sixty parishioners on their own coach. Parishioners spoke of the special atmosphere of Walsingham and how the pilgrimage deepens not only personal faith but also strengthens bonds within the parish. For many, the walk along the Holy Mile remains a highlight, linking them to the footsteps of centuries of pilgrims who have made the same journey.

Assistant priest Fr Robert Smialek explained that the Stevenage parish had focused in recent months on processions and parish devotions, which helped prepare people to take part in the Walsingham pilgrimage. He said the day offered parishioners the chance to look beyond their own community and see themselves as part of the wider diocesan and universal Church.

The pilgrimage to Walsingham has been a feature of Catholic life in England for centuries. Its origins go back to 1061, when Richeldis de Faverches, the Lady of the Manor, reported a vision of the Virgin Mary instructing her to build a replica of the Holy House of Nazareth.

The shrine quickly became one of the most important centres of devotion in medieval Europe, visited by both kings and commoners. The original shrine was destroyed under Henry VIII during the Reformation, but devotion was revived in the late nineteenth century. Pope Leo XIII permitted pilgrimages once more in 1897, and since then Walsingham has again become a focal point of Catholic life.

The shrine continues to be shared by Catholics and Anglicans. The memorial of Our Lady of Walsingham, reinstated to the liturgical calendar in 2000, is marked on 24 September, and devotion to her under this title has spread internationally, including to the Ordinariate of the Chair of St Peter in North America.

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Photo credit: Diocese of Westminster