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. 

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. 

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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