Diocesan Pilgrimage to Glastonbury

Sunday 14th July 2024

“Mary, Woman of Prayer”

A shrine is traditionally a place of pilgrimage and reminds us, in an earthly way, of our spiritual journey of faith.

Through baptism we embark on a road that is sometimes smooth, sometimes rough, but we do not journey alone.

As Christians we have our eyes firmly fixed upon the Kingdom of God as revealed to us in Scripture and Tradition by Our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. The message of Our Lady, His Mother, is a simple one. In John 2:5 she points to her Son and says, "Do whatever He tells you". And so, it is in this shrine that we worship God and give honour to the Theotokos, the God-Bearer. She is a prototype of the Church in that she gives us an example of discipleship unparalleled in the history of salvation. She is humble and courageous, obedient and strong, maternal and virginal, constantly directing us towards her Son.

Father Kevin Knox-Lecky, Parish Priest 1999 - 2012

The annual Clifton Diocesan Pilgrimage to the Shrine of Our Lady of Glastonbury is a significant event for Catholics. It offers a sacred journey of historical exploration, devotion to Mary, spiritual renewal, and communal fellowship. As pilgrims embark on this transformative journey, they are motivated by a deep longing to connect with the roots of their faith, seek the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary, and experience spiritual renewal in the company of fellow believers. In the peaceful environment of Glastonbury's sacred landscape, pilgrims find solace, inspiration, and a renewed sense of purpose, enriching their faith and deepening their relationship with God and the Blessed Mother.

This year's pilgrimage will take place on Sunday, 14th July 2024 and will be centred around the theme of 'Mary, Woman of Prayer'.

Following the recitation of the Rosary at 11.30 am, the Shrine Church will transform into a chapel of Exposition and Silent Adoration from 12 noon until 3:00 pm, offering a peaceful and contemplative environment just opposite the Abbey grounds. During this time, visiting priests will provide the sacrament of Reconciliation in the Shrine Church.

In addition, from 12 noon until 3:00 pm, Private Healing Prayer will be offered in a single tented chapel located just inside the Abbey gates, opposite the Shrine Church.

At 2:15 pm, the Rosary procession will commence in the Abbey grounds, followed by the Pilgrimage Mass at 3:30 pm, also held in the Abbey grounds.

UPDATE:

We are pleased to inform you that we have secured the Glastonbury Event Car Park, ‘Herbie’s Field,’ for use by pilgrims at this year’s pilgrimage. This is a large car park that can accommodate up to 400 cars, including minibuses. The car park is only a short 12-minute walk from the Shrine and the Abbey gate.

Drivers may wish to drop off pilgrims outside the Shrine before parking. The car park is located on Northload Bridge on the B3151 close to the Northload Bridge roundabout on the A39, opposite the Glastonbury Reclamation Centre. Set your sat-nav to BA6 9LE. The what3words location is: ///target.loafing.sticky.

There is a pedestrian crossing on the A39 right by the roundabout. The car park will open at 9:30am on the morning of 14th July and the gates will be closed and locked at 6:00pm. If you wish to stay in Glastonbury for the evening, the municipal car parks are free after 6:00pm.

We kindly request a donation of £5 per car and £10 for minibuses. (Cash, please.)