Youth Pilgrimage: Experience of a volunteer

Having never been to a large scale youth pilgrimage before, and never been part of youth ministry, volunteering to be part of the Walsingham Youth Pilgrimage, filled me with a mix of excitement to see how the peace, tranquillity and feeling of joy and hope of the Shrine translates into a camping youth event, within a circus tent, whilst also being nervous about what to expect and joining a team that had worked together on many other successful youth pilgrimages.

Arriving early on the Saturday the tone for the week was set, as a kind welcome was made, with introductions and a tea being offered immediately in recognition of the long trip from Scotland to North Norfolk. The field already looking impressive with the Big top and marquees already up, but it would soon over the next few days, become a hive of excitement, worship, laughter and friendship making. As the 300+ pilgrims arrived on the Monday the weather turned as storm Floris unleashed herself on the campsite, meaning the pilgrims really did need to learn the meaning of teamwork as they fought against the wind and rain, with the help of the volunteers and pilgrimage staff, who says that a pilgrimage shouldn’t have some sort of trials and tribulations!

For the rest of the week, pilgrims were treated to bible studies, by some amazing speakers (Bishop Rowan Williams being a personal highlight) services, worship and fun activities. Each day Mass was held with a level of energy I can honestly say I have never witnessed at any church before, and despite the loud, uplifting and energetic music, often with accompanying actions and clapping, there was always an understanding of what was happening and a true level of respect and honour around everything that was done. This was the same at all liturgies that happened.

The afternoons saw time for the pilgrims to relax, spend time together building on friendships new and old, with activities including an afternoon of inflatables, dancing lessons, an afternoon at the beach, and even a 80’s themed Disco. This time allowed the pilgrims time for personal reflection should they want, but importantly it was about building and maintaining links between churches, groups and youths from over the whole of the country. From my perspective this was as important as everything else that happened over the week and echoed the welcome and kindness that I got from the moment that I had arrived.

As part of the ice breaker, we were asked what we most looked forward to, and my answer was to see how the Walsingham that I know and love, translates to the youth and what they have. In all honesty I can say that there is nothing that I would do as part of my own pilgrimage that the youth did not get, the wonderful liturgies were had, the first visit, processions, benediction and the Sacraments of healing were the focal points of all that was happening. Every pilgrim who came got the same experience that an adult, sure it was busier, had a live worship band (some of the music not what I am used to, and some a week later still stuck in my head!) but it was all there, the full Walsingham experience was had by them all.

As a volunteer at the event, I can honestly say that I left feeling that I had done something worthwhile during the week. To witness 300+ 11–18-year-olds praising God, feeling free and safe to do so, in such an energetic way gives me hope for a church that we are constantly being told has no future or relevance to the youth. The way that they understood the importance of what was happening, had respect and honoured God especially in acts such as benediction and the sacrament of confession was a privilege to witness and be a part of. Let alone had I been able to join the young people in Worship in a very special place to me, I had been able to offer a friendly face, someone that the youth were able to trust, and when needed be part of that team that stood beside them in the wind and rain helping to put up tents. The small act of asking if someone was ok, always produced a smile no matter who they were. I have returned to work, refreshed, re-energised, with a slightly improved perspective and view of things, and feeling the power of God within my life, however as always when leaving I now feel a large Walsingham shaped hole!

My thanks to those in the Royal Navy Family and People Support who granted me the exceptional leave to allow me volunteer and attend this amazing week, to those I worked with over the week who made me feel so welcome into the teams and made it possible for me to have such a positive week, and most importantly all the leaders who worked so hard to ensure that they could bring their young people.

Walsingham Youth Pilgrimage 2026. . . I can not wait to be there!

Gareth Hooper