The Walsingham pilgrimage traces its origins to 1061, when Richeldis de Faverches, Lady of the Manor, reported a vision of the Virgin Mary instructing her to build a replica of the Holy House of Nazareth
Newsroom (25/09/2025, Gaudium Press ) Over 2,000 pilgrims from parishes across the Diocese of Westminster converged on the Shrine of Our Lady of Walsingham in Norfolk on Saturday, marking one of the largest turnouts for the annual diocesan pilgrimage in recent years. Coaches departed parishes before dawn, carrying the faithful to England’s national shrine for a day of prayer, procession, and devotion.
Led by Cardinal Vincent Nichols and Canon Chris Vipers, Acting Director of the Pilgrimage, the event began with a Mass celebrated by Cardinal Nichols in the Basilica of Our Lady of Walsingham. In his homily, the Cardinal urged pilgrims to entrust their lives to Mary, who stood at the foot of the Cross and was the first to rejoice in the risen Christ.
Following the Mass, pilgrims embarked on the Holy Mile, a prayerful procession marked by the recitation of the Rosary and the singing of hymns. The day culminated at Walsingham Priory with Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, led by Cardinal Nichols.
A notable presence was the 60-strong contingent from the Parish of Stevenage, who arrived on their own coach. Parishioners described the unique atmosphere of Walsingham, noting how the pilgrimage not only deepens personal faith but also fosters stronger community bonds. The walk along the Holy Mile, a path trodden by pilgrims for centuries, was a highlight for many.
Fr Robert Smialek, assistant priest at Stevenage, highlighted the parish’s recent focus on processions and devotions as preparation for the pilgrimage. “This day allows our parishioners to see themselves as part of the wider diocesan and universal Church,” he said.
A Historic Centre of Devotion
The Walsingham pilgrimage traces its origins to 1061, when Richeldis de Faverches, Lady of the Manor, reported a vision of the Virgin Mary instructing her to build a replica of the Holy House of Nazareth. The shrine became one of medieval Europe’s most significant centres of devotion, attracting royalty and commoners alike. Destroyed during the Reformation under Henry VIII, it was revived in the late 19th century, with Pope Leo XIII permitting pilgrimages again in 1897.
Today, the shrine is shared by Catholics and Anglicans. The memorial of Our Lady of Walsingham, reinstated to the liturgical calendar in 2000, is celebrated on 24 September. Devotion to this title has spread globally, including to the Ordinariate of the Chair of St Peter in North America.
The enduring appeal of Walsingham lies in its ability to connect modern pilgrims with a centuries-old tradition of faith, prayer, and community, as evidenced by the thousands who gathered this weekend to honour Our Lady.
- Raju Hasmukh with files from Catholic Herald
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