Centuries after the martyrs made their final journeys through the streets of London, a historian is set to follow their route once again – not in fear of persecution but to shine a light on their remarkable stories.
Author, journalist and broadcaster Joanna Bogle will lead a special guided 5km river walk ‘In the Footsteps of the Martyrs’ in London at 2.30pm on Sunday, 13th September in support of the Catholic charity Aid to the Church in Need (ACN).
Beginning at the Church of the Most Precious Blood, London SE1 1TE, and ending at Tower Hill, by the Tower of London, the route will trace key sites connected with England’s Catholic story, including the ruins of the Bishop of Winchester's Palace, as well as the Clink Prison and the site of little-known Viking battles around London Bridge.
Mrs Bogle said Precious Blood Church was chosen as a starting point because of its unique place in Catholic history as a parish which once served dock workers, railway employees and those employed in the printing industry.
Before the walk begins, there will be a brief tour of the church, which houses a shrine to St John Henry Newman, patron of the Ordinariate, and as the group prepares to depart there will be a blessing from Precious Blood church parish priest Father Christopher Pearson.
Mrs Bogle said: “Our Catholic story is richer than just the Catholic martyrs of the Reformation era, but we’re focusing on that to link with the millions of people globally who are being persecuted today.”
At London Bridge, participants will hear about the Viking attacks on the city and the role of St Olaf, the Norwegian king credited with helping to defend London.
Crossing the river, the walk will continue along the Embankment before concluding at the execution site of martyrs including Saints John Fisher and Thomas More, who defied Henry VIII because of their Catholic faith.
There, ACN (UK) National Director Dr Caroline Hull will speak about contemporary religious persecution and the charity’s work supporting suffering Christians around the globe.
Mrs Bogle added: “On the way we will pray and unite ourselves with people who suffered in the past and we are praying for people who are suffering for their faith today.
“It will be an enjoyable walk in good company with a purpose of not just walking, not just history but also praying for the persecuted as well – so the best kind of walk really.”
The ACN Team Red event for #RedWednesday is open to all with a minimum £10 donation per person.
Every donation received will be doubled through ACN’s £1Million4Hope Matched Challenge, supporting children suffering violence, discrimination, and displacement.
Mrs Bogle said: “We suggest a donation of £10 but if people are not able come they can still support the cause.”
Mrs Bogle’s support for Aid to the Church in Need dates back to the 1970s when she did a sponsored silence for the charity at Westminster Cathedral.
The Catholic journalist, honoured as a Dame of St Gregory for her lifelong service to the Church, served on the UK board of ACN for many years.
Image credit: Aid to the Church in Need
