Pilgrim Passport

Phil McCarthy • November 29, 2025

Whether you will be walking alone or as part of a group a Pilgrim Passport identifies you as a pilgrim.  


The Pilgrim Passport has several benefits. It may allow entry to Cathedrals such as Canterbury which charge entrance fees. It can be stamped at churches, shrines and places you stay and so form a record of the journey. 


Please be aware that the Hearts in Search of God project is in an early phase and so do not be disappointed if no stamp is available or if the church is closed. 


You can download the passport and add your name and details of the pilgrimage. You will be asked to complete a short questionnaire which helps us evaluate this Project.

DOWNLOAD THE PILGRIM PASSPORT
By The JBMS August 24, 2026
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
By Eddie Gilmore August 20, 2026
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.
By Phil McCarthy August 19, 2026
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
By Richard Finn August 6, 2026
Richard Finn OP reflects that peace can be 'won' and 'found' on way to Walsingham.
By Phil McCarthy July 29, 2026
Let Us Walk is a walking pilgrimage for England & Wales from Maidstone to Southwark, London from October 5th to 9th 2026.
By Phil McCarthy July 27, 2026
The 16th Annual GK Chesterton Pilgrimage will be held on Saturday 1st August 2026!
By Phil McCarthy July 10, 2026
The Hearts in Search of God project Summer 2026 newsletter is ready to read!
By Eddie Gilmore July 10, 2026
Eddie Gilmore found much to be grateful for on the 'Way of Mindfulness'!
By Phil McCarthy July 9, 2026
I was delighted to be interviewed for the BBC Radio 4 Sunday programme about my recent pilgrimage along the Via di Francesco.
By Rowan Gledhill-Morton July 7, 2026
This September, a small band of pilgrims from Leeds and Hallam Dioceses will walk England’s longest way to Walsingham: the ‘Leeds Walsingham Way’!