CAFOD Just One World Pilgrimage

Last year, CAFOD celebrated the 50th anniversary of Fast Day. Two thousand and twelve will mark 50 years since the Catholic Bishops of England and Wales actually founded the Catholic Fund for Overseas Development (CAFOD).

Through the generosity of our Catholic communities in England and Wales, CAFOD has been able to help change for the better the lives of many thousands of men, women and children in developing countries around the world. As we head towards 2012, CAFOD is asking people to help us mark this very important date by holding special services and Masses.

The Dioceses of Hallam, Leeds, Hexham and Newcastle and Middlesbrough are planning a pilgrimage towards 2012. This will begin in Hallam in June, going through Leeds, then Middlesbrough, Hexham and Newcastle, and culminating at Holy Island on Saturday 9th July 2011.

Here in the Middlesbrough Diocese, our section of the Pilgrimage will begin at 10am on Sunday 26th June with a service of prayer at the Lady Chapel, Osmotherley and for the next six days, a group of pilgrims will walk a route going through Hutton Rudby, Stokesley, Coulby Newham, Middlesbrough, Redcar, Saltburn, Runswick Bay and culminating with an open air Mass at 2.30 pm, Saturday 2nd July at Whitby Abbey. CAFOD is inviting parishes, schools and individuals to join in for part of the route. Each day will begin with either Mass or Morning Prayer and culminate with prayer and a social gathering. Throughout the day, the pilgrims will pause for prayer and reflection on the lives of the Northern Saints.

We need your help to make this happen. Are you a keen walker? Would you be willing to walk some or the entire route? Could you offer help with accommodation? Are you interested in organising a pilgrimage event as it comes through your area? There’s something for everyone. If you are a school on the route, would you like one of our pilgrims to drop in as they pass by to talk to your pupils about CAFOD and why they’re on pilgrimage? We invite you to join us in prayer during our walk and to be in solidarity with our sisters and brothers around the world. Would you like to join us at Holy Island on 9th July? If you want to be involved, please contact David or Carol at the CAFOD Office on (01904) 671767 or e-mail middlesbrough@cafod.org.uk

David Cross, CAFOD Diocesan Manager