Parish Pilgrimage to Walsingham

Parish Pilgrimage to Walsingham, May 2026

This year’s parish pilgrimage to Walsingham brought together eleven pilgrims from St Matthew’s for several days of prayer, worship, fellowship and reflection in England’s Nazareth. For some, it was a familiar return; for others, including me, it was a first encounter with a place shaped by centuries of devotion and pilgrimage.

After Mass and the Blessing of Pilgrims at St Matthew’s, our journey took us to the Slipper Chapel, the traditional starting point for the final stage into Walsingham. Its history, including the custom of pilgrims removing their shoes before walking the Holy Mile, gave a strong sense of joining a much longer story of faith.

Arriving at the Anglican Shrine, we made our first visit to the Holy House, the heart of Walsingham’s devotional life. Throughout our stay we returned there often, praying for the intentions entrusted to us by members of St Matthew’s. The Holy House became the place around which the whole pilgrimage seemed to gather, from our First Visit to our final Mass before returning home.

The rhythm of Walsingham quickly shaped our days: Morning Prayer in the Barn Chapel, Evening Prayer in the Shrine Church, the Service of Sprinkling at the Well, Benediction, Healing Ministries, and the Stations of the Cross through the peaceful Shrine grounds. These moments brought together stillness, beauty and prayer, while also connecting our parish with the wider Shrine community.

There was also time for fellowship, shared meals, conversations, and visits around the local area, including the Priory and the village itself. Meeting members of the religious communities connected with the Shrine offered a deeper glimpse into the prayer and service that continue to sustain Walsingham today.

Looking back, I left Walsingham with gratitude: for the peace of the Shrine, for worship shared with fellow pilgrims, for friendships strengthened, and for a renewed appreciation of England’s Nazareth. For anyone considering joining a future parish pilgrimage, Walsingham offers more than a visit; it offers space to pray, reflect, and return home renewed.

Michael Bell, on behalf of the St Matthew’s pilgrims

If you are interested in organising a pilgrimage you can view information here , email accom@olw-shrine.org.uk or contact Reception on 01328 820239

If you want to find out about membership view information here email membs@olw-shrine.org.uk or call Membership on 01328 820582