Welcome to the Cycling Pilgrimage to Walsingham
1. Why consider a cycling pilgrimage in 2025? For a start, cycling outdoors is a great way to explore the countryside and enjoy nature at its best. It is not only an excellent form of exercise, but nourishes the mind and soul. Hence it is becoming an increasingly a popular option for those of us who want to enjoy something more meaningful than just a beach holiday! It is easy to slot cycling into a busy routine. Plus, let’s not forget, compared to driving cycling is great for our planet.
2. But we want to highlight the obvious- the spiritual benefits. Whilst cycling has emotional and mental health benefits as well as physical ones, the spiritual benefits of cycling pilgrimage cannot be underestimated. A pilgrim’s pathway often elevates the physical experience into an inner journey. And it is always open to new experiences. We aim to ride through a mix of open plains and countryside whilst enjoying the stunning landscape. So we hope this offers everyone a gentle and reflective experience- even a sense of transcendence.
3. 2025 is a Holy Year of Jubilee. The Cycling Pilgrimage would be a celebration of our Christian Faith. Pope Francis wrote in his letter declaring the Jubilee Year: “In the realization that all of us are pilgrims on this earth, which the Lord has charged us to till and keep, may we never fail, in the course of our sojourn, to contemplate the beauty of creation and care for our common home.” We hope much of the time on this cycling pilgrimage is spent immersed in exploring the beauty of natural world. By paying attention to the landscape through which we travel, and the effect these places have on our inner self, we seek to explore our shared bond with nature. Cycling pilgrimage would be a practical route into deepening this spiritual awareness.
4. Pilgrimage is not only an aid to personal spiritual growth, but also a force for good. The theme of the Jubilee Year is “Pilgrims of Hope”. Embarking on a pilgrimage would be the perfect way to dedicate the year of hope for a world that is affected by the impacts of Covid-19, wars, conflicts and climate change. The pilgrimage will be a special time to re-establish our relationship with God, with one another and with all of God’s creation.
5. Walsingham is our Catholic National Shrine and the Basilica of Our Lady. Back in the 12th century, it was one of the four principal shrines in the entire Christendom. Across the centuries, thousands of people have pursued this pilgrim route. In marking this Jubilee Year tens of thousands of pilgrims are already making their way to Walsingham. Joining them would be a privilege. As we pedal along the ancient pilgrimage route, we want to follow more faithfully and joyfully the Way which God has marked out for us. And we want to see beyond what is immediately visible. So we want to look at the events of life through the eyes of His blessed mother- with Hope. As pilgrims of Hope journeying in Faith we want to pray for all who support us on this journey. Whether we wish to have a deceased member of our family or other loved one remembered at the Shrine, or we just want to offer a prayer of thanksgiving for the blessings received, pilgrimage to the Shrine will be very special during this Jubilee Year.
6. Thanks to the fundraising opportunities available, pilgrims of hope can turn their passion into compassion, whilst also promoting a good cause that supports the less fortunate. All donations received will be shared and go towards supporting two children’s charities. First, the ‘Bluebell Wood Children’s Hospice’ (https://www.bluebellwood.org). As many of you know, this charity supports babies, children and young people whose lives are just too short, and all of their services are completely free for their families, who come from across South Yorkshire, North Derbyshire, North Nottinghamshire and parts of North Lincolnshire. Second, ‘Let the Children Live’ (http://www.letthechildrenlive.org). A main aim of this charity is that the many marginalised children of Colombia may have life; life in all its fullness. Many of the supported children are often those rescued from the streets and shanty-towns of the city of Medellín. Embarking on a pilgrimage whilst also supporting the amazing work of these two charities could be one of the best decisions you ever make: deepening faith and also helping the less fortunate. A great way to celebrate the jubilee!
7. Open to the parishioners of Hallam Diocese, their families and friends, this sponsored cycling pilgrimage has been designed as eco-friendly and fundamentally green. Plus, it can be enjoyed at a minimal cost – both to the pilgrims and to the environment. Out on the path, pilgrims need only pay for the food that they eat, and the place that they sleep – both of these basic requirements can be attained at a minimal cost. Whatever be your personal circumstances, we wish to encourage pilgrims of all backgrounds and cycling skills to join us. Starting from the Shrine of Our Lady of Doncaster, some of the pilgrims will be pedalling through Lincoln –––– Boston-----Kings Lynn and finally arriving Walsingham. Other pilgrims might set off from their own parishes or deaneries in smaller groups, instead. As you know, cycling is a low-impact physical activity that can be enjoyed at any age. But we would encourage pilgrims to be reasonably fit, so the experience can be enjoyed to the full.
8. The cycling pilgrimage will take place during the summer school holidays 2025, with planed arrival in Walsingham on Friday 25 July to coincide with our Diocesan Pilgrimage to Walsingham. For more details please contact us. Thank you for taking time to read this. “For all of us, may the Jubilee be an opportunity to be renewed in hope” (Pope Francis).
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