Hundreds of pilgrims from the Luton and Dunstable Pastoral Area Deanery of St Alban made their way up the M1 motorway on Saturday, 17th May, for a joyful pilgrimage to Northampton Cathedral as part of the Jubilee of Hope 2025 celebrations. The event, which brought together parishioners from across the region, was marked by a spirit of unity and hope, reflecting the theme of this special Jubilee year.
Bishop David Oakley presided at the celebration of Mass, where prayers were offered in several languages representing the diverse community of the Luton and Dunstable area. In his homily, Bishop David reflected on the meaning of pilgrimage and hope in the life of a Christian. He began with a light-hearted reference to a cartoon that showed Pope Francis purposefully striding towards a service door in heaven, symbolising his dedication to humble service. Bishop David used this image as a springboard to explore the true essence of the Jubilee year.
He explained that the word ‘Jubilee’ is rooted in the idea of sounding a trumpet—a proclamation of God’s grace and mercy at work in the world. This Jubilee of Hope, declared by Pope Francis, is not only a time to reflect on our journey as ‘pilgrims of hope,’ but also as ‘pilgrims into hope.’ Bishop David described how hope, often associated with uncertainty or wishful thinking, takes on a deeper spiritual meaning when understood in light of faith. “We are a people called to hope,” he said, “not because of mere chance or fantasy, but because our hope is built on the rock of faith and God’s plan for salvation.”
Reflecting on salvation history, Bishop David spoke about the Church’s understanding of being created, fallen, and redeemed. He illustrated this through the parables of the Good Shepherd, the Lost Coin, and the Prodigal Son, emphasising that God’s mercy and love are always reaching out to bring His people back to Him. He encouraged the faithful to recognise their role as witnesses of this hope in their daily lives, particularly in sharing the Gospel with family, friends, and neighbours.
After the Mass, pilgrims gathered in the St Thomas Centre for a shared lunch, while many visited Café 1850 to collect their pre-ordered sandwiches and hot drinks. The atmosphere was filled with joy and fellowship, as communities reconnected and shared stories of faith and renewal. The pilgrimage served not only as a moment of spiritual reflection but also as a powerful testament to the vibrancy and unity of the Luton and Dunstable Catholic community.
At the conclusion of Mass, pilgrims had the opportunity to venerate the relic of Saint Thomas Becket and offer prayers for our new Holy Father, Pope Leo XIV. This sacred moment of prayer and reflection added to the profound sense of connection with the wider Church, uniting the faithful in their journey of hope.
The Luton and Dunstable pilgrimage was one of many such events planned throughout the Diocese of Northampton during the Jubilee of Hope 2025, as parishes come together to celebrate, reflect, and renew their commitment to faith and hope in Christ.
Pictures from the pilgrimage can be viewed here
Listen to Bishop David’s homily here
