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Join a CAFOD pilgrimage

Join a CAFOD pilgrimage

Next summer, join us in pilgrimage across England and Wales and journey with us in faith as we reflect on God’s call to each of us to reach out to those in need.

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Pilgrimage walks: Journey in faith

Journey in faith with CAFOD by joining us on a pilgrimage or planning your own. You can even raise vital funds for people living in poverty while you walk.

Why go on a pilgrimage?

Since the earliest days of the Christian faith, Christians have walked to holy places on pilgrimage but visiting holy sites is only part of their importance.

Statue of St. Aidan on Lindisfarne

Pilgrimage harks back to the very earliest days of Christianity in England and Wales with so many holy sites, old and new, across the UK to visit.

A pilgrimage is a journey in faith that imitates the journey of the Christian life. The journey is not always easy or straight, the path can be uphill and winding, hard and with no way of knowing of what awaits you around the corner but by walking in the surety of reaching the spiritual reward of our final destination we are encouraged to keep going.

“Pilgrimages evoke our earthly journey towards Heaven”

Catechism of the Catholic Church 2691

So whether you have been on a pilgrimage before or you are just interested to find out what it’s all about, CAFOD invites you to journey in faith with us.

CAFOD Pilgrimage to Holy Island

On Saturday 8 July, join us as we journey to Lindisfarne to pray and reflect. Bring your parish, school or local community together on this wonderful occasion.

Set off the beautiful coast of Northumbria, Lindisfarne was the site of one of the first Christian centres of Anglo-Saxon England famed as a place of special spiritual significance since its foundation in the seventh century.

The day includes a walk through some stunning scenery punctuated with moments of prayer and reflection before Mass in the ancient St Mary’s church.

Event details

  • 10.30am - Meet at Purdy Lodge cafe and travel in convoy to Holy Island causeway

  • 11am - Meet at Holy Island causeway to walk. (Non-walkers are welcome to join us afterwards meeting at St Mary’s church from midday.)

  • Lunch on the green

  • 3pm - Mass in St Aidan’s church

  • 4pm - Depart from Holy Island

Contact details

For more information please contact Carol Cross:

Download poster

Start your own pilgrimage

Hearts in Search of God is an exciting new programme of pilgrimages, developing new Pilgrim Ways in every Catholic diocese in England and Wales. The programme has been organised by Dr. Phil McCarthy, a retired GP and former CEO of Caritas Social Action Network. All of the walks, start at a cathedral before moving on to one or more local shrines passing sites of historical importance, spiritual significance and beautiful scenery along the way.

Inspired by Pope Francis’ words that ‘in every person there is a heart in search of God’, every route has been carefully planned and mapped with care taken to ensure that there is something for walkers of all ages and abilities.

Make your pilgrimage a fundraising event

Whether you’re walking alone, with family, friends or as a parish, give your pilgrimage even deeper meaning by fundraising for CAFOD as part of your spiritual journey.