A newly baptised Catholic from Corby has completed an extraordinary 90-mile pilgrimage on foot from Our Lady’s Catholic Church in Corby to the Shrine of Our Lady of Walsingham, raising more than £2,700 for the St Vincent de Paul Society (SVP).
Robert Dunne, a parishioner of the newly formed Parish of The Good Shepherd, set out from Our Lady’s on 10 June, travelling alone over three days to reach Walsingham, known as ‘England’s Nazareth’. His journey was undertaken as part of the Worldwide Marian Procession to Jesus through Mary, with Marian processions taking place at shrines and churches around the world.
Robert, pictured with Canon Mark Floody and Fr Chris Colaco, arrived at the Shrine having walked 90.72 miles, taking 15 hours and 13 minutes and completing 156,177 steps. He then joined the annual Northampton Diocesan Pilgrimage to Walsingham and the Pilgrim Mass on Saturday 13 June.
For Robert, the pilgrimage was particularly significant. He became a Catholic at the Easter Vigil earlier this year and has since been embracing his faith with enthusiasm and joy.
Reflecting on his journey, Robert described it as “an incredible adventure” that he would remember “with immense gratitude for the rest of my life”. He also spoke of the time for reflection during the walk and gave thanks to everyone who supported his fundraising.
Robert initially set out to raise money for the SVP, which supports people experiencing poverty and hardship in England, Wales and overseas. His JustGiving page raised £1,967.50, including Gift Aid, with a further approximately £750 donated through the two Corby churches.
Speaking after completing the pilgrimage, Robert said: “All Glory to God.”
His journey brought together prayer, pilgrimage and practical Christian service, walking to Our Lady while raising support for people in need.
Our Lady’s to Our Lady and, through Mary, to Jesus.
