A sponsored walk celebrating 125 years of the Catholic Association’s pilgrimage to Lourdes is reaching the Diocese of Northampton this weekend, with walkers from across the diocese joining Matt Betts for a special stretch of the journey.
Matt is undertaking the long-distance walk to raise £1,250, representing the 125 years since the Catholic Association first travelled to Lourdes on pilgrimage. Supporters are being invited to sponsor the walk, helping to raise funds for the Catholic Association’s Lourdes pilgrimage.
On Friday 7 August, Matt walked part of the historic Ridgeway, popularly known as ‘Britain’s oldest road’, which passes through the Diocese of Northampton. The ancient route has been used for thousands of years by travellers, herdsmen and soldiers and provided a fitting backdrop as Matt entered the final days of his challenge.
The Northamptonshire leg continues on Saturday 8 August. Matt will begin the day by attending Mass at Our Lady of Lourdes Church in Aylesbury before continuing his journey. He will then be joined by Paul and Cliona Devereux and local parishioners for a walk from Our Lady of Perpetual Succour Church and Diocesan Shrine to Northampton Cathedral.
The Northampton leg provides an opportunity for members of the Diocese to walk alongside Matt, share fellowship and pray for all those who will travel to Lourdes, as well as for those who are unable to make the pilgrimage themselves.
The walk began in the Archdiocese of Southwark before continuing through Portsmouth and is due to conclude in the Diocese of East Anglia on Sunday 9 August, when Matt will walk from Sawston to Cambridge following Mass in the village.
The challenge has already covered many miles, including additional walking to the Shrine of Saint Jude earlier in the month. Matt has also been joined by supporters along the route, including Bishop Paul Hendricks, Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Southwark.
The Catholic Association’s long connection with Lourdes makes the 125th anniversary particularly significant. For generations, the pilgrimage has brought people together in prayer, friendship and service, offering pilgrims the opportunity to encounter Christ through Our Lady of Lourdes and the wider Catholic community.
Matt is now heading towards his £1,250 fundraising target. Anyone wishing to support the walk can make a donation through the JustGiving page.
Please keep Matt, all those walking with him, and everyone involved in the Catholic Association’s Lourdes pilgrimage in your prayers.
