Summer pilgrimage opportunities for young people

Hamish MacQueen, Director of Diocesan Youth Service, writes about plans for upcoming youth pilgrimages this summer and next.

We love taking groups of young people on pilgrimage. Getting away from ‘normal life’, particularly after exams or other stresses and strains, can be so spiritually refreshing, even life-changing.

In the past our trips have included destinations all over Europe, but this summer we decided to explore some fantastic parts of the UK. At the time we would have had to book, the Covid situation was unclear, making it more challenging to plan for overseas travel, but we hope these trips will still bring some amazing and memorable summer experiences a little closer to home.

From July 25 – 29 we are going on pilgrimage to Holywell, known as the ‘Lourdes of Wales’! This looks to be a fantastic few days in beautiful surroundings with great company. We will be travelling as a group by road to stunning North Wales and staying in a local retreat centre.

However, that’s not all! We’re really excited to be teaming up again with Radio Maria England to help run England’s Way. This is a four-day walk from Bury S. Edmunds to Walsingham from August 11 – 14, arriving in time to celebrate the Feast of the Assumption in England’s Nazareth. Are you up for the challenge? 

Two brilliant options and both very different styles. Pick your favourite or why not come on both?

In summer 2023, we will be taking a group to join the Pope and millions of other young Catholics at World Youth Day in Lisbon. Places have already begun to fill up and to guarantee a place you need to book by the end of July 2022. We hope those coming to World Youth Day will also consider joining one of this summer’s trips too as part of their preparation!

For more information, please see www.rcdea.org.uk/youth

Pictured above is St Winifred’s Well in Holywell.

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