Leaping for Joy: The Difference Our Godparents Made

Youth Pilgrimage 2026 brought faith, friendship and belonging to life in Walsingham.

In August, 198 young people gathered at the Shrine of Our Lady of Walsingham for five unforgettable days of worship, learning, friendship and fun. Inspired by the theme “Gaudete: Leaping for Joy”, the pilgrimage gave young Christians space to deepen their faith, grow in confidence and discover that they are part of a much wider Church family.

This life-changing week was made possible by the generosity of funders, donors, parishes, volunteers and supporters. Through the Godparent Scheme, 201 Godparents gave £15,151, helping to ensure that cost did not prevent young people from taking part.

More Than Financial Support

The Godparent Scheme is a partnership of generosity and prayer. Donations help subsidise places for families facing financial pressures. Each Godparent is also paired with a young person, receives their Christian name and commits to praying for them during the pilgrimage. In return, Godparents are remembered by name in prayer at the Holy House and receive a personal postcard from their Godchild.

The young people’s own words show just how much that support matters.

In Their Own Words

A Gift That Opens the Way

For some families, the cost of attending can be a real barrier. Godparent support helps young people answer the call to pilgrimage and share fully in the week.

“Thank you for sponsoring me so I could come to Walsingham without my mother or direct family paying… I would not have experienced this without you.” — Oghosa

“Walsingham has been amazing, and many of us wouldn’t be able to be here if it wasn’t for amazing people such as yourself.” — James

Faith Made Real

During the pilgrimage, worship is not separate from everyday life. Mass, the Rosary, Bible study and adoration sit alongside meals, music, football, dancing and laughter. In that joyful rhythm, young people find room to listen, reflect and make faith their own.

“Visiting the Shrine was really special. We learnt how to pray the Rosary, which I think I’ll keep doing.” — James

“Tonight is my favourite of the liturgies—the healing ministries and spending time in adoration… I often come home feeling much stronger in my faith.” — Hannah

Friendship and Belonging

For many pilgrims, one of the greatest gifts is being surrounded by other young Christians. New friendships flourish, existing friendships deepen and everyone has the chance simply to belong.

“The relationships you build here are amazing, not only with other pilgrims but with God too.” — Morgana

“Thank you for giving me an opportunity to grow closer to God with my friends.” — Kelly

Learning with Joy

Interactive Bible studies and engaging speakers helped pilgrims explore Scripture, ask questions and connect the pilgrimage theme with their own lives. Worship in the Big Top brought its own joyful energy, with music and movement making Mass especially memorable.

“Mass is really enjoyable; the songs are so catchy and full of vibes, together with the little dance moves—so cool!” — Ariel

Thank You, Godparents

The support from the godparents helped bridge the gap between what young people and parishes could reasonably be asked to pay and the true cost of providing a safe, high-quality residential pilgrimage. It funded far more than tents, catering, security, equipment and activities. It gave 198 young people the opportunity to worship, explore their faith, build friendships, grow in confidence and experience the Church as a place where they belong.

The Godparent Scheme brings generations of our Church family together in generosity and mutual prayer. To everyone who sponsored a place, prayed for a young person, volunteered or supported the pilgrimage in any way: thank you. Your kindness helped create memories, friendships and faith that can last a lifetime.

Be Part of the Next Pilgrimage

Look out for next year’s Youth Pilgrimage dates and details of the Godparent Scheme on the Shrine’s website, social media channels and in future publications. Together, we can help even more young people leap for joy.