The Autumn 2025 Hearts in Search of God Newsletter

Phil McCarthy • October 14, 2025

Welcome to the Autumn 2025 Hearts in Search of God Project newsletter.

The Pilgrimage of Hope

641 miles walked and 21,257 feet climbed over 45 days on 4 Ways
20 Perpetual Pilgrims walked the full distance joined by over 250 Day Pilgrims

The 2025 National Walking Pilgrimage of Hope

The theme of the 2025 Jubilee is ‘pilgrims of hope’ and this inspired a national walking pilgrimage with four main Ways converging at the Cathedral of St Barnabas, Nottingham, on Saturday 13th September 2025, for shared prayer and celebration. The four main Ways started at the Catholic cathedrals in Cardiff, Leeds, Norwich and London, and blessed our nations with the Sign of the Cross and with the Gospels. We strove to embody the values of the Sisters of the Holy Cross, who generously funded the initiative, of compassion, faith, prayer and community.

A small group of 'perpetual pilgrims' walked the full distance of each Way, and about 250 day pilgrims joined for one or more day stages. The pilgrims experienced generous hospitality in the parishes and communities enroute: Masses were said, blessings given, food and accommodation provided, and rucksacks transported. We were often overwhelmed by the generosity of those we encountered.

Theresa Alessandro has created a wonderful podcast which gives an overview of the Pilgrimage.

St Matthew’s Way

The western Pilgrimage of Hope Way was from Cardiff to Nottingham via St Chad's Cathedral in Birmingham and the Shrine of St Chad in Lichfield.

Catherine Manghan reflects on the ‘Hope, Joy, Laughter and Fellowship' she experienced and there are also photos and reels. On the Welsh coast path the pilgrims encountered Emmeline on her own pilgrimage to change the legal status of rivers.

Joe Northam writes about how she got involved with the Pilgrimage, on walking and courage and on the importance of getting lost!

Next Steps!

The Diocesan Ways

If you missed the Pilgrimage of Hope, or if you are inspired by it, then walking one of the Diocesan Ways could be a good next step. There is one in every diocese.

If you walk one I would be grateful for any feedback you have about the Way, and especially any route updates and changes.

After your pilgrimage remember to download your certificate of completion.

Resources

‘Walking through Scripture' is a creative new free resource by Fleur Dorrell. It's designed for any one or any group who are: about to embark on a pilgrimage, walking from one church to another, visiting a shrine or sacred place, walking as an opportunity to pray, reflect and meditate in the open air or at home and wishing to make a spiritual walk with God.

Several new resources about group walking pilgrimage will be created as the result of the experience gained by the Pilgrimage of Hope. These will be appearing over the next few weeks.

News, Stories & Events

Thanks to all those who have contributed news and stories over the last few months. Topics include:

Where Heaven and Earth Meet : Podcaster Theresa Alessandro met the northern pilgrims at Padley Martyrs’ Chapel and was entranced. She returned to record a special edition of her podcast about the Chapel’s history.
A Self-Guided Pilgrimage through Birmingham City Centre: Father Hudson’s Caritas have created a new reflective journey through the heart of Birmingham.
John Bradburne Memorial Society Annual Pilgrimage : The Annual Pilgrimage in Cumbria took place on 6th September 2025.
On the Way of St Francis: The pilgrimage from La Verna to Assisi was the last in a series of walks Eddie Gilmore did with his wife, Yim Soon, and held particular significance for them both. During an interminable hill climb Yim Soon asked Eddie: “But why are we walking?” Later Eddie undertook a solitary pilgrimage to the all-male monastic enclave of Mount Athos.
Psychology of Pilgrimage: I was delighted to be invited by Dr Heather Warfield to contribute to her podcast. We discussed my pilgrimages to Rome and Istanbul, and particularly my walks through the Great War battlefields of the Somme and Gallipoli.
Walking in the Footsteps of London’s Saints: A group of 25 pilgrims gathered at the English Martyrs Church by Tower Hill on the Feast of the Ascension, to take part in a pilgrimage led by Westminster Diocese Justice and Peace Co-Ordinator Colette Joyce.
An Italian Pilgrim to England: Mario Mancini came to Merseyside in search of the 'Apostle to England’ Blessed Dominic Barberi of the Mother of God.
Walking the St Wulstan’s Way: Peter Chisholm gives his account of this pilgrimage, tracing St Wulstan’s life and legacy, from Worcester Cathedral to Clifton Cathedral.
Walking the Augustine Camino with Mary's Meals: Roy Peachey finds his pilgrimage enchanting, if physically demanding.

If you have a story or a pilgrim resource or event to share, please contact me through the website.

Please feel free to share his newsletter with people who may be interested. I hope you enjoy the website, designed by the wonderful people at

Everyday Christian Marketing.

Wishing you every blessing and joy in this Jubilee year, during which we are challenged to become ‘pilgrims of hope’.

Buen camino!

Phil McCarthy, Project Lead

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The 2027 John Bradburne Pilgrimage announced

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

On New Roads

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.

A Franciscan Mini Pilgrimage at the WeBelieve Festival

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