The Spiritual Journey

Pilgrimage to the Shrine of Our Lady of Glastonbury

Embarking on a pilgrimage holds great significance in various religious traditions, providing individuals with a unique opportunity for spiritual reflection, renewal, and connection with the divine. Within the Catholic faith, pilgrimages are especially important, drawing believers to sacred sites rich in historical, cultural, and religious significance. One notable destination is the Shrine of Our Lady in Glastonbury. Let's explore why individuals choose to embark on a pilgrimage to this Shrine, examining the spiritual, historical, and cultural dimensions that make it a focal point of devotion for Catholics worldwide.

Glastonbury is a place steeped in history, mysticism, and spirituality, and has been a destination for pilgrims from all over the world for centuries. It is often linked to the legendary tales of King Arthur and the Holy Grail and holds a special significance in the Christian spiritual landscape. Located in Somerset, England, Glastonbury is home to the oldest Shrine to the Blessed Virgin in England and possibly even north of the Alps. According to tradition, it is believed that Christianity was brought to Glastonbury by St. Joseph of Arimathea in the first century, who is said to have built a wattle church dedicated to Our Lady upon his arrival. The original church, known as the “Old Church,” was described in a charter from around 694AD as the “foremost Church in Britain, the fount and source of all religion”.

Tragedy struck on 25th May 1184 when the old wooden church was consumed by flames. It is unclear whether the ancient statue of Our Lady survived, as history remains silent on this matter. Undeterred, the faithful rebuilt a new stone church on the same sacred ground. This church, consecrated in 1186, had the same dimensions as its humble predecessor. It was once again dedicated to Our Lady, and the ancient Shrine, along with its revered statue, was reinstated. During the Middle Ages, the Glastonbury Shrine flourished as a prominent pilgrimage destination, drawing devotees from distant lands.

However, the reign of King Henry VIII marked a turning point for the Shrine. Driven by his desire for power and wealth, he severed England’s ties with the Holy Church. Glastonbury soon fell under his scrutiny. In 1539, Henry’s commissioners arrived at Glastonbury, stripping the Abbey and Shrine of their treasures. The last Abbot, Richard Whiting, along with two of his monks, John Thorne, Treasurer, and Roger James, Sacristan, were executed on the Tor on 15th November 1539, following a trial at Wells on the previous day. All three were beatified by Pope Leo XIII on 13th May 1895. For nearly 400 years, the memory of the ancient Our Lady of Glastonbury seemed lost.

In 1925, a small church was built, and in 1939, the foundations for a new church were laid. This new church, situated across the road from the ruined Abbey, would become the successor to the ancient Shrine. In 1955, a statue bearing the ancient title “Our Lady St Mary of Glastonbury” was blessed, marking the revival of devotion to Our Lady in this sacred place. Today, the Shrine Church of Our Lady St Mary of Glastonbury remains the heart of a thriving Catholic community.

The veneration of the Blessed Virgin Mary is central to Catholicism. She holds a special place as the Mother of God and is seen as a source of intercession and grace. The Shrine of Our Lady in Glastonbury is an important place for Marian devotion, providing pilgrims with a sacred space to honour and seek the intercession of the Blessed Mother. Pilgrims are drawn to the Shrine to deepen their relationship with Mary, seeking solace, guidance, and spiritual nourishment in her maternal embrace.

Pilgrimage is a longstanding tradition within Catholicism, recognized as a transformative journey of faith, prayer, and self-discovery. The pilgrimage to the Shrine of Our Lady in Glastonbury offers pilgrims an opportunity for spiritual renewal and growth, allowing them to step away from the distractions of daily life and immerse themselves in prayer and contemplation.

The tranquil surroundings of Glastonbury, combined with the sacred atmosphere of the Shrine, create an environment conducive to deepening one's spiritual connection and fostering a sense of inner peace and renewal. Pilgrimage is not just an individual endeavour but often a communal experience, fostering a sense of solidarity and fellowship among believers. Pilgrims travelling to the Shrine of Our Lady in Glastonbury often do so as part of a group or community, sharing in the joys and challenges of the journey. The shared experience of pilgrimage strengthens bonds of faith and friendship, as pilgrims support and encourage one another along the spiritual path.

The annual Diocesan Pilgrimage to the Shrine is a significant event for the Catholic community. It is a time for the faithful to come together to honour Mary, take part in Mass, and engage in prayerful reflection. This year’s pilgrimage will be held on Sunday, 14th July. The theme for this year, “Mary, Woman of Prayer”, encourages pilgrims to reflect on the role of prayer in their lives and to consider Mary's unwavering devotion and communication with God as an example.

The day is structured to allow for both communal and personal acts of worship. After the recitation of the Rosary at 11:30am, the Shrine Church will be transformed into a chapel for Exposition and Silent Adoration, providing a serene environment for personal devotion. The sacrament of Reconciliation will be available, offering pilgrims the opportunity for spiritual renewal. Additionally, there will be Private Healing Prayer in a tented chapel located within the Abbey grounds, opposite the Shrine Church, providing a space for individual healing and reflection to complement the communal activities of the day. The Rosary procession, a moving and unifying act of prayer, will commence at 2:15pm in the Abbey grounds, followed by the Pilgrimage Mass at 3:30pm, also held within the Abbey grounds, reminding pilgrims that they are part of a larger body of believers on a shared spiritual journey.

The pilgrimage to the Shrine of Our Lady of Glastonbury is more than a physical journey; it is a passage of the heart and soul towards greater understanding and closeness to God. It is a tradition that honours the past, celebrates the present, and looks forward to the future with hope and faith.

As the preparations for this year’s pilgrimage continue, the Parish of Our Lady St Mary of Glastonbury extends a warm invitation to all who wish to join in this time-honoured tradition. It is a journey that promises spiritual enrichment, communal fellowship, and the chance to walk in the footsteps of countless pilgrims who have sought the blessings of Our Lady of Glastonbury throughout the ages.