Glastonbury Pilgrimage 2026

“Mary, Mother of the Faithful”

The annual Glastonbury Pilgrimage took place on Sunday 6th September 2026, drawing around a thousand pilgrims from across the Diocese of Clifton and beyond. This year’s theme, “Mary, Mother of the Faithful,” was inspired by the Vatican doctrinal note Mater Populi Fidelis, issued last October, which reflects Mary’s closeness to the pilgrim People of God as she accompanies us on our journey of faith and hope.

We were blessed with warm sunshine throughout the day, creating a joyful atmosphere as pilgrims arrived from near and far to share in this grace‑filled day.

The pilgrimage began at 11.00am in the Shrine Church of Our Lady of Glastonbury, where the Rosary was prayed in a church filled to capacity.

Following the Rosary, the Statue of Our Lady of Glastonbury was carried in procession into the Abbey Grounds for veneration. Meanwhile, in the Shrine Church, the Blessed Sacrament was exposed for silent adoration, and pilgrims were able to receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation.

At the same time, a Youth Procession made its way from the Abbey grounds to the summit of Glastonbury Tor, offering pilgrims an opportunity to pray and to remember Blessed Richard Whiting, the last Abbot of Glastonbury, together with his companions, John Thorne and Roger James, who were executed there in 1539.

Inside the Abbey Grounds, the Shrine’s Healing Team welcomed pilgrims during the morning and early afternoon in the tented Chapel of Healing. Many visited the Shrine Repository stall, where devotional items were available, including statues of Our Lady of Glastonbury.

Pilgrims enjoyed exploring the Abbey Grounds, meeting friends old and new, and sharing refreshments from the Abbey’s garden café. Many brought picnics, gathering in the sunshine for lunch and conversation.

After lunch, pilgrims assembled for the Rosary Procession, led by Rt Rev Bosco MacDonald, Bishop of Clifton, together with clergy from across the diocese. We were honoured by the presence of civic dignitaries, including the Deputy Mayor of Glastonbury, the Knights and Dames of the Holy Sepulchre, the Knights of St Columba, and ecumenical guests.

The procession set off at 1.45pm, following its traditional route through the Abbey grounds and along the High Street before returning to the Abbey through the Pilgrims’ Gate in Magdalene Street. Throughout the procession, the Rosary was prayed and hymns were sung. The kind staff of the Beckets Inn generously provided cups of water to pilgrims along the route.

The day reached its culmination at 3.15 pm with the Pilgrimage Mass, celebrated by Bishop Bosco in the packed Abbey Nave. It was a fitting conclusion to a joyful day of prayer, fellowship and devotion.

We extend heartfelt thanks to the Trustees and staff of Glastonbury Abbey for their warm hospitality and for welcoming us once again into the Abbey Grounds for this blessed annual celebration. We are also deeply grateful to all our volunteers, whose dedication and hard work made the pilgrimage both joyful and memorable. Special thanks are due to our diocesan team, whose support ensured the smooth running of the day.

Next year’s pilgrimage will take place on Sunday 5th September 2027 (subject to confirmation). Masses will be offered twice a year in the Shrine for the Intentions of the Patrons of the Pilgrimage.

(Photos to follow.)