Catholic People’s Weeks provide 'holidays that make a difference'. This year they decided to have a walking pilgrimage. Alison Gelder tells the story.

Eddie Gilmore reflects on what we might learn from St Francis of Assisi today, almost exactly 800 years after his death.

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.

In August 2026 Terence Cavanagh undertook a solo pilgrimage in the Diocese of Hexham and Newcastle from the Lady's Well at Holystone in the Cheviots to St Mary's Cathedral in Newcastle. This is the story of his pilgrimage. Details Weather: sunny OS explorer maps OL16, OL42, 316 Four and a half days / 55 miles Accommodation Rothbury - Newcastle House B&B budget accommodation Kirkwelpington - guest house evening meal + breakfast Ponteland- The Diamond Inn apartments B&B Jesmond - Jesmond Dene Hotel evening meal + breakfast Day One: Holystone to Rothbury - 9.5 miles Lady's Well was more than l could have hoped for, a wonderful tranquil place, where our ancestors would have been baptised. Highlights: the proximity and view of the river Cocquet. Local shops and restaurants. Day Two: Rothbury to Kirkwelpington -16 miles Highlights: the silence of Simonside Fell carpeted in purple heather. Wildlife: fox, deer, hares, mountain bumble bee, herd of belted black and white cattle. Day Three: Kirkwelpington to Ponteland - 16.5 miles Highlights: a hidden byway on the outskirts of Kirkwelpington. Wildlife: swallows preparing for their migration Cafe and toilet at Kirkhale The Institute at Capheaton is open at weekends 10am to 4pm for teas and snacks Local shops and restaurants Day Four: Ponteland to Jesmond - 10 miles Morning service at St Matthew's Catholic Church A detour along the Tyne and Wear heritage trail and then use the Metro tram south of the Airport for 7 stops into Jesmond. Highlights: relaxing afternoon at the hotel and a sauna at the nearby leisure facility. Day Five: Jesmond to St Mary's Cathedral - 3.5 miles Morning walk through Jesmond Dene, visiting the remains of St Mary's shrine, then into the city for midday mass at the Cathedral. Returning to North Wales from Newcastle central railway station. Terence Cavanagh "Father , Son and Holy Spirit. Help us to act justly, love tenderly and walk humbly through our lives with you. Amen" Find out more about the Holystone Way below

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. 📍 Saturday 12 June 2027 ⛪ 10.00am Mass at St John the Evangelist Church, Skirwith 🥾 Walk from Dufton at approximately 11.20am ☕ 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.