Annual John Bradburne Cross Fell Pilgrimage

Kate Macpherson • Jul 03, 2023

Cumbrian born John Bradburne used to climb Cross Fell regularly. Considering his impending beatification, hopefully on the path towards sainthood, the John Bradburne Memorial Society, which funds the Mutemwa Leprosy Care Centre where Bradburne spent his latter years, are once again holding an annual pilgrimage on Saturday 15th July 2023 led by Bishop Paul Swarbrick. 


John Bradburne (1921–1979) lived an extraordinary life. He was a reluctant hero of the Second World War, a pilgrim and a hermit, a poet and a musician, a joker and a mystic, and a theologian. After many years travelling and searching, he found the place that God wanted him to be – living alongside men and women suffering with leprosy in Mutemwa, Zimbabwe, a place he helped transform into a community of peace, joy and love.


Said Dr Gavin Young, JBMS Trustee and walk leader of this annual event, “This will be the third year that we have organised this walk. It is a fitting tribute to Bradburne and an enjoyable albeit hard climb. So, if you are coming, please be suitably equipped.”


The day will start with a service in Skirwith, at St John the Evangelist Church at 10am and even if you are not coming on the walk, you will be very welcome, followed by the climb up the fell.


For further information about this event please contact JBMS: Tel: 07979 187498 or Email: info@johnbradburne.com

Website: www.johnbradburne.com


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