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.
