The average person takes around two thousand steps in a mile. This means that over four million steps were walked collectively by the 2,000 pilgrims who walked the Holy Mile together during the Diocese of Westminster’s annual Walsingham Pilgrimage. Pilgrimages such as these are a vivid expression of our shared journey of faith, where people of all ages and walks of life – clergy, religious, and lay faithful – come together in unity.
Together in Procession
Walsingham holds a special place in the hearts of many, and has been a centre of Marian devotion in England for centuries. This year’s event was especially significant, marking the first pilgrimage since the Vatican granted approval for Our Lady of Walsingham to be celebrated as a Feast in the dioceses of England, taking place annually on 24 September.
The pilgrimage concluded with a moment of significant ecumenical fellowship, as Fr Graeme, Priest Administrator of the Anglican Shrine, welcomed Catholic pilgrims with a heartfelt address:
‘In 2018, we signed an Ecumenical Covenant, of which this icon is the outward sign…this is the first time I have seen that practical cooperation and support so vividly demonstrated.’
The Caritas Deaf Service also visited Walsingham this year, hosting members of the Deaf Community on the Catholic Deaf Association’s 2024 pilgrimage. Walking the Holy Mile together, the group reflected on the shared values of fellowship, support and understanding that underpin all pilgrimages. One pilgrim, Sr Marika Rebicsek OCV, observed:
‘The Catholic Deaf Association annual pilgrimage is a highlight in my year, being able to interact with fellow Deaf Catholics from different parts of the UK. The sharing of our faith, as a sign language user, is so very limited. In my own parish, no-one can sign. Walsingham brings us together for a chance to renew and refresh ourselves and each other, mentally and spiritually.’
While the pilgrimages to Walsingham brought pilgrims together on the Holy Mile, a similar journey took place with equal fervour in Lourdes. This year, over 700 pilgrims gathered to deepen their faith, joining together for six days of prayer and worship, united in the theme ‘Come in Procession.’
As part of this shared journey, a synodal event titled A Future and a Hope, organised by the Agency for Evangelisation, brought together over 200 pilgrims and Redcaps, young people who care for the sick who come to visit Lourdes. This gathering offered an opportunity to reflect on God’s call in our lives, as participants shared personal stories of faith and how it brings meaning and direction to their journey.
The visual impact of thousands walking together, united in faith, is striking, but equally profound are the less obvious ways in which we ensure that nobody walks alone.
As every year, in 2024 Redcap volunteers embodied this spirit of selflessness, offering practical assistance and companionship to those with limited mobility, helping them to fully participate in this journey. Their acts of service not only supported the vulnerable but also inspired others, embodying the values of compassion and solidarity.
Beyond the physical journey, our pilgrims carried the intentions of those who could not join them, praying for fellow parishioners back home. This connection strengthened the sense of unity among the faithful.
A highlight of the Lourdes pilgrimage was the International Mass, celebrated alongside 20,000 pilgrims from across the world. As principal celebrant, Cardinal Vincent Nichols reflected upon how pilgrimages reflect our shared identity in Christ:
‘In our world today, there is so much conflict, division, and hostility. They have no place here. Rather, in this great celebration, we glimpse a new humanity, a single family of people, mighty in diversity, strong in unity.’
Following the Call
The diocese was also united in joy at the prospect of more ‘workers in the vineyard of the Lord’. The year saw the ordination of three priests, two deacons in formation for priesthood, three permanent deacons and one auxiliary bishop.
Bishop James Curry, formerly parish priest of Our Lady of Victories in Kensington, was ordained as an Auxiliary Bishop of Westminster and Titular Bishop of Ramsbury on 18 June 2024. Celebrating the Mass was Cardinal Vincent Nichols, who drew attention to the diversity of the diocese, saying,
‘Episcopal attentiveness also has to focus on the distinctiveness, the peculiarities of each time and place, for Kensington is not Kingsbury and Hounslow is not Harefield. What might be effective in one may not be so in another. This too is part of the richness of our diocesan church, a richness which is not unfamiliar to our new bishop and which will call for his discernment.’
This richness was also reflected in the many anniversaries celebrated across the diocese this year. Several parishes marked significant milestones, including Corpus Christi, Maiden Lane, which celebrated the 150th anniversary of its opening on 20 October 2024.
Designated as the diocesan shrine of the Blessed Sacrament by Cardinal Nichols in 2018, Corpus Christi holds a special place in Catholic history. Opened by Cardinal Manning, it has become a cherished site for Catholics worldwide. Among its legacy, the hymns Sweet Sacrament Divine and O Sacred Heart were composed there by a former parish priest, Fr Francis Stanfield.
More recently, the church has played a notable role in London's artistic and performing arts community. Home of the Catholic Association for Performing Arts (formerly the Catholic Stage Guild), Corpus Christi is known as the ‘Actors’ Church,’ providing a spiritual home for Catholic actors performing in the West End. Since 2023, it has also served as the London base for the Catholic Police Guild.
Another significant anniversary was marked by the parish of Our Lady of Dolours in Hendon, which commemorated 175 years since its first Mass celebrated by Blessed Dominic Barberi. Celebrating the anniversary Mass, Bishop John Sherrington reflected on the parish’s mission and legacy:
‘We pray for the mission of the parish into the next decades; gathering to praise God and helping God’s holy people to grow in prayer and reaching out to serve others, especially the poor, in love.’
More personal anniversaries were also celebrated in parishes, giving thanks for what in some cases is a lifetime of service.
In February, one of the St Vincent de Paul Society’s (SVP) longstanding members at Our Lady and St George Conference in Enfield received the medal for long service. Fintan has been a member at the conference (SVP group) for over 30 years. The medal was presented by his Parish Priest Fr Daniel Humphreys.
The medal bears the image of the Society’s founder Blessed Frederick Ozanam, as well as a quote attributed to the same: ‘I would like to enclose the whole world in a network of charity.’
Expressing his delight at the award, Fintan said:
‘I was pleased to receive the certificate and medal in recognition of my time in the SVP Enfield. Things have changed many times in the 30 years as the needs required have become more complex. I also appreciate the support from fellow members over the period.’
In May, the diocese celebrated the gift of married life with its annual Mass for Matrimony. Over 465 couples from across the diocese came together to renew and recommit themselves to each other. The event is a testimony to the strength of marriage as the centre of focus and stability for the family and wider society.
July saw the celebration of 60 years of service by Sr Angela Moroney and Sr Margarita Cunningham to St Mary’s Catholic Primary School and Our Lady of the Holy Souls Parish, Kensal New Town. They were recognised for their work educating generations of families since their arrival at the parish in 1964. A letter of congratulations from Cardinal Vincent Nichols was read out to a packed church, alongside messages from His Majesty the King and Irish President Michael D. Higgins.
The current parish priest, Fr Damian Ryan, also acknowledged the Sisters’ impact: 'Sr Angela and Sr Margarita have been the doors of faith to countless numbers in this Parish and we love them for it'.
Behind the Steps
For every step we take on our pilgrimages, countless unseen steps are taken behind the scenes in the months of preparation leading up to them. These efforts ensured not only their success but also the safety and inclusivity of everyone involved, particularly those from vulnerable groups.
The Safeguarding Service plays a crucial role in this work, fostering an environment where everyone can participate with confidence. By providing comprehensive training both online and in person, the Safeguarding Service ensures that the practices underpinning these journeys remain effective, up-to-date, and reflective of the Diocese’s commitment to care and protection for all.
In 2023, the Youth Ministry launched its ‘Upper Room’ programme, designed to equip young adults with the skills and confidence to take on leadership roles in their parishes. A key element of the programme was the opportunity to serve as chaplains to young adults volunteering as Redcaps on the Lourdes Pilgrimage. By 2024, this role developed to become more structured, incorporating regular times of Eucharistic Adoration, group meetings with the Redcaps, and providing pastoral support to guide them on their own pilgrimage journey.
For many of the Redcaps who came as part of school and parish groups, this experience not only enhanced their ability to serve but also deepened their understanding of the connection between faith and service.
As one graduate said:
‘My time in Lourdes, serving as a chaplain, was transformative. It not only deepened my own faith but also ignited a desire to continue this path of service and spiritual growth. The Upper Room Programme and the pilgrimage to Lourdes have been more than just a journey; they have been a revelation, showing me the beauty of faith, the strength of community, and the joy of serving others.’
