What is a pilgrimage?
A pilgrimage is a special journey made for a particular reason. People may go on pilgrimage to deepen a relationship with God, to reflect on a change, challenge or opportunity in your life, or to enjoy exercise in nature. A pilgrimage may be a long or short journey, it may be alone or with a group, it may be through countryside or urban streets. People may make their pilgrimage on foot, by bicycle or car. The important thing is to set aside the busyness of day to day life, and be mindful of your journey.
Pilgrims have been coming to Durham for centuries. In fact, Durham Cathedral was founded because of pilgrimage, as people journeyed from near and far to visit the shrine of St Cuthbert. A visit to Cuthbert’s shrine was an opportunity to give thanks for this holy man and to pray for grace to lead a life infused with the same light of hope and faith.
Some thoughts on Pilgrimage from from Revd James Shelton, Director of the Cuthbert Centre for Pilgrimage and Prayer...
Is a pilgrimage any different from going from a walk?
A walking pilgrimage is a spiritual experience and speaks into the everyday life of faith and Christian values.
For example, the pilgrim learns to sift through their possessions, carrying only what is necessary and letting go of things that weigh them down. The simplicity of each day creates space to pay attention, noticing the beauty of the surroundings and in every moment. Meanwhile, fellow travellers become a gift for mutual sharing and generosity.
Walking long distances is also a significant test of physical, mental, and spiritual perseverance, prompting the pilgrim to consider the ultimate source of their security and dependence.
Jesus said: “Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” (Matthew 11.28-29)
Why is there such a resurgence of interest in pilgrimage?
There seems to be a significant resurgence of interest in pilgrimage – both within the Church and in the mainstream media (featuring on TV, radio and even informing the King’s Speech in 2025).
People of faith, of some faith, of little faith, those with curiosity and questions, and indeed those of no professed faith are all undertaking pilgrimage (and often engaging deeply with one another along the way). There is something in the pilgrimage experience that is meeting the needs of people at this time.
One of the biggest influences behind this resurgence are the stories people tell when they return from their own pilgrimage - the pilgrim arrives home with all that has been learned along the way, which can then inform their everyday life beyond the pilgrimage.
In short, life itself comes to be understood as a pilgrimage – our daily journeying through the experiences of life.
What are Durham Cathedral's plans for pilgrimage?
The Cuthbert Centre for Pilgrimage and Prayer (CCPP) will be based in the Chapel of the Holy Cross, located underneath the Cathedral Deanery. There will be new, accompanying facilities developed alongside the Chapel, where we’ll host and offer hospitality to individuals and groups.
Drawing inspiration from the life of St Cuthbert, who moved between praying at the monastery and proclaiming Good News on the road, the CCPP will become something reminiscent of a Pilgrims’ House of Prayer, celebrating the gifts of pilgrimage and prayer through varied activities at the Cathedral and around the region.
We hope the CCPP will become a gift to many, by inspiring and equipping pilgrimage and prayer in ways that has a reverberating impact for good. The CCPP is looking to open in late 2026.
Pray our pilgrim prayer
God; Father, Son and Holy Spirit,
we give thanks for the many lives transformed by an encounter with you whilst on pilgrimage.
Give us the wisdom to draw on your ancient ways in our lives today
and bless The Cuthbert Centre for Pilgrimage and Prayer;
that it would witness to St. Cuthbert’s life of prayer and proclamation
and, in doing so, be a source of great blessing for many people today.
Amen.
