The day began at 10:30am as pilgrims arrived at the National Catholic Shrine of Our Lady of Walsingham. Opportunities for the Sacrament of Reconciliation were available until 11:45am, offering many a moment of quiet preparation ahead of the day’s central liturgy.
At midday, the pilgrimage reached its spiritual high point with a Solemn Pontifical Mass celebrated by Bishop Peter Collins. Hundreds filled the shrine, representing communities from across East Anglia. The liturgy was enriched by the powerful readings of the day: from the Acts of the Apostles (7:55–60), recounting the martyrdom of St Stephen, to the Gospel of St Matthew (10:17–22), where Christ prepares His disciples for persecution.
These readings spoke directly to the heart of the feast. St Stephen’s unwavering witness, even unto death, stands as a profound example of faithfulness and forgiveness, echoing Christ’s own sacrifice. Meanwhile, the Gospel reminds believers that discipleship is not without cost; to follow Christ is to stand firm in the face of adversity, trusting in the Spirit to guide and sustain. In today’s world, where faith can often be challenged or marginalised, these passages call the faithful to courage, perseverance, and a renewed commitment to living out the Gospel.
In his homily, Bishop Peter encouraged all present to take up this call with renewed zeal. He urged the faithful to evangelise boldly, to spread the Word of the Lord, and to nurture the growth of the Catholic faith both within East Anglia and beyond. With characteristic warmth, he added a light-hearted remark, suggesting that perhaps the Welsh Martyrs might also find a place alongside the English on this feast day, prompting smiles among the congregation.
Following Mass and a time for shared fellowship over lunch, the afternoon’s devotions began with the crowning of the statue of Our Lady of Walsingham by Bishop Peter. This was followed by a Marian procession along the Pilgrim Way towards the priory grounds, an unusual and memorable addition to the pilgrimage in this jubilee year. As the procession moved forward, hymns were sung and the Joyful Mysteries of the Rosary were prayed. Parish banners were held high, creating a vivid display of the diocese’s rich diversity and shared faith.
The pilgrimage concluded upon arrival at the priory grounds with Solemn Benediction. The Blessed Sacrament was exposed, and the gathered faithful entered into a time of reverent hymnody and silent prayer, bringing the day to a peaceful and prayerful close.
This year’s pilgrimage, set against the backdrop of the diocese’s 50th anniversary, was both a celebration of the past and a hopeful step towards the future. Rooted in the witness of the martyrs and inspired by the call to evangelisation, the people of the Diocese of East Anglia departed Walsingham renewed in faith, united in purpose, and strengthened for the journey ahead.
Photographs from the pilgrimage can be viewed here.
