A Pilgrimage is a journey usually made to a sacred place, and is a familiar feature of many different religions, including Christianity.
It’s certainly part of the experience of the churches of our Ministry Area, and we have many opportunities available for you!
Shrine of Our Lady of Walsingham
Each year, many of us participate in the South Wales Pilgrimage to Walsingham where there is a Medieval Shrine containing a replica of the Holy House of Nazareth where Mary received the angel’s message that she had been chosen to be the Mother of Christ.
However, others also make pilgrimage there at other times throughout the year. You can find out more about the Shrine on their website, and details of the Welsh Pilgrimage can be found at the Enter the Mystery website:
The Walsingham Youth Pilgrimage takes place in August each year, and there is usually a group from the Diocese. More details soon.
And if that wasn’t enough, our Walsingham Cell meets regularly. This is a time of worship and fellowship as we gather together for devotions to Our Lady of Walsingham, to keep the fire burning!
Images of Walsingham: Check out the highlights of the 2023 Pilgrimage here:
Words from Walsingham: You can also listen to interviews of Walsingham Pilgrims, as well as homilies from the 2023 pilgrimage on SoundCloud
Walsingham October Devotions
St Mary’s is host to the October Devotions to Our Lady of Walsingham when pilgrims reunite.
It also gives a flavour of Walsingham to those considering joining us on pilgrimage or for those unable to make pilgrimage to the Shrine.
Flat Holm
Flat Holm is an island in the Bristol Channel, at the southernmost tip of our Ministry Area and of Wales. Its sits alongside its sister island, Steep Holm.
We have a Celtic Island Pilgrimage programme to Flat Holm which was launched in 2023. Check out our Flat Holm pages for more information, and look out for sailings in 2024.
Glastonbury
Each year in June, the ruins of Glastonbury Abbey in Somerset attracts hundred of people from Wales and the South West. Check out the pilgrimage website for details of the pilgrimage which in 2024 is on Saturday 13 July.
There are usually several coaches travelling from South Wales. You can find out more about this at EntertheMystery
Shrine of Our Lady of Penrhys
The Medieval Shrine of Our Lady of Penrhys stands on the top of Penrhys mountain in the Rhondda Valley.
Although destroyed in the sixteenth century, pilgrimage continues there, which includes from our Ministry Area. In recent years, we have made pilgrimage on the weekend of the Assumptiontide celebrations in August.
The pilgrimage in 2024 takes place on Saturday 17 August.
Assumptiontide Celebrations
In 2024, we celebrate the twentieth anniversary of the Assumptiontide celebration at St Mary’s Church.
Pilgrims arrive for an early evening barbecue, followed by Vespers, torchlight procession and Fireworks
The celebrations take place on Sunday 18 August 2024
Urban Pilgrimage
Join us on a more local pilgrimage through the streets and parks of South Cardiff.
This is ideal for those who are unable to make the crossing to Flat Holm, and takes place at various times throughout the year.
Here’s highlights of one of our most recent Urban Pilgrimages:
Pilgrim: Discover the Llanscape of Wales
Our Pilgrim project highlights some of the more local holy sites in South Wales, many of which often get overlooked.
We don’t have to travel far! Our PILGRIM pages celebrate, in particular, many of the Celtic Saints of our Land.
There’s More!
We’re also planning other pilgrimages in 2024, including one to St David’s. So watch this space!
On the Move
As you can tell, we love to be on the move! Pilgrimage is a wonderful experience, spiritually enriching and enlivening. Why not join us?
South Cardiff Ministry Area 