A pilgrimage has a vital part to play in our life of faith for it removes us from our homes and our daily routines and gives us time and space to encounter God more deeply.
Pope Leo XIV
The pilgrimages office is responsible for the coordination of our diocesan pilgrimages to Lourdes, Walsingham and the Holy Land.
Pilgrimages Administrator: Elizabeth Uwalaka
Contact: elizabethuwalaka@rcdow.org.uk
Lourdes
In 1858, Our Lady appeared to St Bernadette in a grotto in Lourdes. The apparitions inspired a devotion which brings millions of people to this small town in the south of France each year. Our next diocesan pilgrimage will take place from 17th to 24th July 2026.
Acting Pilgrimage Director: Fr Andrew Gallagher
Walsingham
A centre of Catholic devotion for centuries, Walsingham is a national shrine to Our Lady. There, the lady Richeldis built a replica of the Holy House in Nazareth which has been a focus for worship for nearly 1000 years. Our 10th anniversary pilgrimage will take place in 2026.
Pilgrimage Director: Fr John McKenna
Holy Land
Given the ongoing situation in Israel, pilgrimage to the Holy Land is presently impossible and resumption of the Diocesan Pilgrimage rests with the Diocesan Trustee. They are monitoring the situation and reviewing Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) guidelines.
Pilgrimage Director: Fr Paul McDermott
