A Franciscan Pilgrimage in the Diocese of Clifton
Phil McCarthy • June 30, 2026
We have reached capacity and registration for the walking pilgrimages to the
Church of St Francis of Assisi in Nailsea has now closed.
2026 marks 800 years since the death of St Francis of Assisi and Pope Leo XIV has declared a special Year to commemorate this. More about the Year can be found here. Francis was a pilgrim who undertook significant journeys to Rome, Santiago de Compostela and the Holy Land. He urged that all forms of hostility or conflict be avoided and that a humble and fraternal attitude be shown to those who did not share his faith. He had a great love of creation.
Saturday 3rd Ocober 2026 is exactly 800 years since St Francis died, and the day before his feast day. To mark this a walking pilgrimage is planned in the Diocese of Clifton on Saturday 3rd October with two legs:
- The Bristol leg will start at Clifton Cathedral at 10.30am and end at the Church of St Francis of Assisi in Nailsea (9 miles)
- The Clevedon leg will start at the Franciscan church of the Immaculate Conception in Clevedon at 1pm and end at the Church of St Francis of Assisi in Nailsea (6.4 miles)
The two legs will convene at 4.30pm at the church for refreshments and prayer. Those who wish can stay for the 6pm Saturday evening Vigil Mass for the Feast of St Francis.
Pilgrims are welcome to register to join for one or other of the legs. Walkers do so at their own risk. Children under 18 years old must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Pilgrims will be responsible for carrying their own food and drink and for arranging their own transport to the start and finish.
Nailsea is well served by trains to Bristol and buses to Bristol and Clevedon, for example:
- Bristol: There are trains from Nailsea & Backwell station to Clifton Down station at 16.29 and 17.29. Nailsea & Backwell station is about 15 minutes walk from the Church of St Francis of Assisi. Clifton Cathedral is 12 minutes walk from Clifton Down station.
- Bristol: There are trains to Bristol Temple Meads from Nailsea & Backwell at 16.29, 17.06, 17.29 & 18.06
- Bristol: There is an X9 bus at 17.05 from Perrings West bus stop which is about 10 minutes walk from the Church of St Francis of Assisi
- Clevedon: There is an X11 bus at 17.14 from Ash Hayes Rd bus stop which is about 3 minutes walk from the Church of St Francis of Assisi
For more details and updates please visit: Trainline and for buses Travel West.
Registration is closed but please join us in prayer using the pilgrimage prayer booklet below.
You can find other ideas to mark the day here.
A Pilgrimage to commemorate the Year of St Francis of Assisi Saturday 3rd October 2026
A Pilgrimage to commemorate the Year of St Francis of Assisi Saturday 3rd October 2026
A recent trip to the West of Ireland gave Eddie Gilmore the chance to ponder about the difference between a pilgrimage and a long walk.
An annual pilgrimage through North Norfolk has brought Scripture, prayer and Christian unity together.
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Following the success of this year's new route, the John Bradburne Memorial Society have announced that the Pilgrimage will return to the spectacular High Cup Nick in 2027. Join us on Saturday 12 June 2027 for a memorable day of prayer, fellowship and adventure in the beautiful Cumbrian countryside. The day will begin at 10.00am with Mass celebrated at St John the Evangelist Church, Skirwith. John Bradburne's father was once the vicar of this church, and John himself was baptised there. Everyone is warmly welcome to attend Mass, even if they are not joining the walk. We will then travel to Dufton, where the walk will begin at approximately 11.20am. The route is around 13km (8 miles), with approximately 408 metres of ascent, and is expected to take about five hours, including a lunch stop. Although there is a well defined path throughout, this is a demanding hill walk and a good level of fitness is essential. Participants must bring proper walking boots, suitable outdoor clothing, food and plenty of water. Afterwards, we will return to Skirwith Village Hall for refreshments and to celebrate the day together. Whether you are a seasoned walker, a supporter of John's Cause or simply looking for a day of prayer, friendship and adventure, we would love you to join us. ๐ Saturday 12 June 2027 โช 10.00am Mass at St John the Evangelist Church, Skirwith ๐ฅพ Walk from Dufton at approximately 11.20am โ Refreshments afterwards at Skirwith Village Hall To book your place and make a donation in support of Mutemwa Leprosy Care Centre, please visit www.johnbradburne.com or email info@johnbradburne.com . NB Please note that this walk is not suitable for those with limited mobility. Participants should be fit and confident walking over fell terrain for several hours. We look forward to welcoming you! John Bradburne Memorial Society
To mark the 800th anniversary of the death of St Francis of Assisi the Society of St Francis, organised a 700-mile ‘Peace Pilgrimage’ through England.
I was delighted that Theresa Alessandro included the WeBelieve Franciscan Mini Pilgrimage in her All Kinds of Catholic podcast. In July 2026 I led a short Franciscan walking pilgrimage through the grounds of Oscott College, Birmingham. It was a contribution to the second WeBelieve Festival of Catholic life which attracted 2,700 people of all ages. The festival was a wonderful opportunity to discover the traditions and charisms that flow through the Church, to grow in community, and to encounter the transforming love of God. The festival aims to deliever a feast of the True, the Good and the Beautiful. It was a wonderful that Juliana, a Secular Franciscan could join the pilgrimage and lead the prayers. She is a layperson who has committed to following the Franciscan Theresa Alessandro recorded the pilgrimage for her podcast. It can be found at about 16.45 minutues in. More about the WeBelieve festival can be found here . More about the All Kinds of Catholic podcast can be found here . More about the Secular Franciscans can be found here . Phil McCarthy, Hearts in Search of God project lead
Richard Finn OP reflects that peace can be 'won' and 'found' on way to Walsingham.
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The Hearts in Search of God project Summer 2026 newsletter is ready to read!
