Walking the Pilgrimage of Hope
Pilgrims converged on Nottingham's St Barnabas Cathedral, © Mazur/cbcew.org.uk
The Pilgrimage of Hope, a national walking pilgrimage for England & Wales with four main Ways, converged at the Cathedral of St Barnabas, Nottingham, on Saturday 13 September 2025, the eve of the Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross. It is an initiative of the Hearts in Search of God project which promotes and develops walking pilgrimage in our nations.
The Ways, named after the Evangelists, started with Mass at the Catholic cathedrals in Cardiff, Leeds, Norwich and St George's Cathedral, Southwark, London, and blessed our nations with a Sign of the Cross. The Pilgrimage was supported by the Sisters of the Holy Cross and embodied their values of compassion, faith, prayer and community. The routes were trailblazed by volunteers and the initiative was overseen by a steering group.
Four groups of 'perpetual pilgrims' (20 in all) walked the full distance of each Way, joined by over 250 day pilgrims walking one or more stages. In total 641 miles were walked and 21,257 feet climbed over 45 days along the four Ways.
Walking pilgrimage brings physical and psychological challenges, as does sleeping on church hall floors, forming small groups and welcoming new pilgrims every day. However, the overwhelming experience of the pilgrims was of joy and a deepening of faith. The perpetual pilgrims were amazed by the hospitality shown by the Catholic parishes and other Christian communities enroute. Churches and halls were opened, food prepared, rucksacks transported, and families generously welcomed pilgrims into their homes. Priests, deacons, religious sisters and Bishop Patrick McKinney all supported the pilgrims and walked with them.
A day pilgrim on the St Luke's Way who works as a nurse said: "Doing a pilgrimage and walking helps me relax, strengthens my faith, and gives me time to think about what's happening in my life."
At Padley Chapel on the St Mark's Way a perpetual pilgrim said: "This pilgrimage has taught us about simplicity of life. It is a real time for reflection. From a spiritual point of view, it's a very good time to re-engage with your faith and to share it along the way." Another pilgrim said that rather than getting increasingly tired, "I'm getting increasingly encouraged! We've had such wonderful hospitality from all our hosts along the way." In 1588, two Catholic priests, Nicholas Garlick and Robert Ludlam, were discovered at Padley Hall. At the time to be a Catholic priest was deemed treason. They were tried, found guilty and two weeks later hanged, drawn and quartered in Derby. One pilgrim commented on the sacrificial element of walking pilgrimage and said: "What's extremely important to me about pilgrimage is that it's a public act of witness to our Catholic faith that was suppressed for many centuries."
On the St John's Way a pilgrim commented: "A pilgrimage through the countryside allows you to be contemplative about what you are doing and why you are doing it. Experiencing nature lends itself to this."
As the pilgrims neared Nottingham, a pilgrim on the St Matthew's Way reflected: "A lot of people walking have a decision to make or are in a place of uncertainty, and it's been really good to be completely present to that." Another said: "Hope is growing as we go through the parishes, as we experience the joy and love, it's like a fire burning in our hearts. We have met all kinds of Catholics, and it's brought everyone together."
Bishop Patrick McKinney walked the final stage of the St John's Way and commented: "All of those who walked even short distances are pilgrims: our motivation is the important thing."
The pilgrims met at the Cathedral of St Barnabas in Nottingham on 13 September for a welcoming liturgy, then an evening of Irish music and ceilidh. Next morning the pilgrimage concluded at the Solemn Mass for the Feast of the Exaltation of the Cross. The pilgrims were delighted to receive a Papal message and Apostolic Blessing from Pope Leo XIV.
Phil McCarthy is the 'Hearts in Search of God' project lead.
LINKS
National Pilgrimage of Hope:
www.pilgrimways.org.uk/national-jubilee-pilgrimage-of-hope
All Kinds of Catholic Pilgrimage podcast:
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