The ancient devotional practice of the pilgrimage goes back centuries and can be undertaken for a variety of pious reasons: as penance for our sins, as an act of devotion to God or one of His Saints, for a particular intention, in thanks for favours granted. Pilgrimages are also public witnesses to the Catholic Faith, never more important than now, when public expressions of Christianity are under sustained attack by secular authorities.
The LMS organises several pilgrimages each year around England and Wales and you are encouraged to take part in one or more of these. You don't have to be a member of the LMS to take part! Below are the pilgrimages we have planned at the moment.
Venue: Church of St Wilfrid, Duncombe Place, York
Date: Saturday, 24 March 2012
Details: Solemn Mass will be celebrated at 1.30pm, in the presence of Rt Rev. Terence Drainey, Bishop of Middlesbrough. It will be followed by a procession to the Church of the English Martyrs in Dalton Terrace, where there will be Benediction and Veneration of the Relic of St Margaret Clitherow. The procession will pass through The Shambles, where Margaret Clitherow lived, and over Ouse Bridge, the place of her execution. The Church of St Wilfrid is across the road from the West Door of York Minster and about five minutes' walk from the Railway Station. Because parking is limited in York City Centre, visitors travelling by car are advised to use the Park and Ride service at Askham Bar on the Tadcaster Road close to the junction with the A64 by-pass. Buses from there pass near to both St Wilfred’s Church and English Martyrs’ Church.
Venue: Ely to Walsingham
Date: Friday 24 to Sunday 26 August 2012
Details: A 55-mile walk over three days. Camping for men, indoor accommodation for ladies and children (schools, village halls, etc.). Sung Mass every day, concluding with Mass at the National Shrine in Walsingham.
Venue: Lourdes, France
Date: Monday, 17 to Friday, 21 September 2012
Details: This is the LMS's first pilgrimage to Lourdes with the sick. We fly from Stanstead and the approximate all-inclusive price will be £600. In order to register your interest at this stage in going, either as someone in good health or as someone who is sick or needing medical help, please email info@lms.org.uk or phone 020 7404 7284.