A unique journey of history, faith, and breath-taking scenery awaits!
The Annual John Bradburne Memorial Society Annual Pilgrimage in Cumbria will take place on 6th September 2025. You are invited to join the pilgrimage at Skirwith, John's birthplace, for a day of reflection and community: Programme: 10:00 AM – Mass at Skirwith Church Pilgrimage Walk – a 5-hour countryside walk exploring the beautiful Cumbrian countryside Talk & Refreshments – Skirwith Village Hall To register your interest, please email: info@johnbradburne.com
A new book on walking the Via Francigena.
At the start of walking St Philomena's Way in the Diocese of Shrewsbury, Hearts in Search of God project lead Phil McCarthy was interviewed by Theresa Alessandro for her All Kinds of Catholic podcast. The All Kinds of Catholic podcast includes conversations with different Catholics, giving glimpses into some of the ways they are living their faith today. Pope Francis has used the image of a caravan to describe the Church: a diverse group of people travelling on a sometimes chaotic journey together. This image has helped to shape the podcast. Theresa hopes the podcast will encourage, affirm and sometimes challenge listeners. She is too in these conversations. The link to the recording is below.
Life has chosen to mark Jubilee Year 2025 with its own special contribution to 'Pilgrims of Hope'- its first charity fundraising challenge.
I was delighted to take part in Clifton's Diocesan day to speak about walking as 'pilgrims of hope' during the 2025 Jubilee.
I was delighted to be invited to take part in this edition of BBC Radio 4's Beyond Belief on why we walk. Listen here.
How might we prepare for walking as pilgrims of hope during the 2025 Jubilee? This report of a recent conference offers some help.
Pilgrims from across the Diocese of Leeds and beyond are planning a new walking ‘camino’ this coming Lent, as their ‘first steps’ in the Year of Prayer and Preparation before the 2025 Jubilee, which the Holy Father has announced will have the theme ‘Pilgrims of Hope’. The new, short pilgrimage is for the intention of ‘Vocations to the Priesthood’. It will take place almost exactly 120 years after Fr John O’Connor (1870-1952), a Diocese of Leeds priest, became the inspiration for GK Chesterton’s famous ‘Father Brown’ stories which, even in today’s BBC TV adaptations, still illustrate the priest’s humane wisdom, understanding and compassion as well as his spiritual and sacramental role. The new Pilgrimage Walk for Vocations will take place on Saturday 16 March 2024 . In keeping with the Diocese's journey towards sustainability, public transport is recommended as there is a railway station and other good public transport links in both Keighley and Ilkley. After 9.30am Mass at St Anne’s Church, walkers will set off following in ‘Father Brown’s Footsteps’, up Keighley Gate, over Ilkley Moor, and upon reaching the Ilkley Parish of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, will walk up to the Myddelton Grange Calvary for Stations of the Cross. The total distance will be around seven miles, which includes two steep uphills – so walking all the way will not be suitable for those with serious health or fitness issues, although the Keighley/Ilkley Road is metalled for a short distance at each end. This Lenten pilgrimage walk for Vocations is not yet an official diocesan event, so please contact communications@dioceseofleeds.org.uk for more details or click the button below.
