ISSUE 352 SEPTEMBER 2026
From the High Peak to Walsingham: A Journey of Faith and Friendship
Buxton and Chapel Parish Pilgrimage to Walsingham 2026 By Angela Oldfield There are few places in England where you can easily leave behind the busyness of everyday life and simply be still. For those of us who recently made the pilgrimage from St Anne's, Buxton, and Ss John Fisher and Thomas More, Chapel-en-le-Frith, to the Catholic National Shrine of Our Lady at Walsingham, our three days there offered a precious time of prayer, reflection, spiritual renewal and friendship.
both Derbyshire and Norfolk (and some unexpected diversions) became part of the story, making our arrival at Walsingham all the more memorable!
Our pilgrimage began as we gathered for Mass before setting off together by coach. The Mass was celebrated by our Parish Priest, Fr Greg Tobin, and Assistant Priest Fr Benjamin Sunder, who accompanied us throughout the pilgrimage.
After arriving and settling into Elmham House, the Catholic Shrine's own guest house, we shared our first meal together, we visited the Anglican Shrine of Our Lady of Walsingham and then gathered for Vespers at the Church of the Annunciation. The evening ended in the best possible way, with Fr Greg producing his guitar and leading us in an evening of singing. It was a wonderful reminder that pilgrimage is not only about prayer but also about the joy of Christian friendship.
As with every pilgrimage, the journey itself became part of the experience. Travelling together by coach gave us time to build friendships and share in the excitement of what lay ahead. Even the winding lanes in
Wednesday was our main day at the Shrine. We began with morning prayer before walking the Holy Mile together to the National Shrine. Continued on page 3
Buxton and Chapel Pilgrim Mass in the Slipper Chapel