This weekend, Glastonbury will host two significant pilgrimages, drawing worshippers from across the region to the historic town.

The annual events, which have deep roots in the local community, will take place at Glastonbury Abbey and the Shrine of Our Lady of Glastonbury.

The Glastonbury Pilgrimage 2024, themed "Our Lady and the Communion of Saints," begins on Friday, 12th July. The programme starts at 5.00 pm with a Vigil Mass in the Undercroft of the Lady Chapel, celebrated by The Rt Revd Paul Thomas, Chairman of the Pilgrimage Association.

On Saturday, 13th July, the events continue with a Solemn Concelebrated Mass at 12.00 noon in the Nave of the Abbey Church, with a sermon by The Rt Revd Dr Rowan Williams. Following the Mass, stations for the Sacrament of Anointing and confessions will be available for 30 minutes.

The day will conclude with a Procession of the Blessed Sacrament at 3.00 pm, leading to Solemn Benediction in the Abbey Church, with preaching by The Reverend Ben Andrews, Vicar of St Theodore's, Port Talbot.

Diocesan Pilgrimage to Glastonbury: Mary, Woman of Prayer

On Sunday, 14th July, the Clifton Diocesan Pilgrimage to the Shrine of Our Lady of Glastonbury will take place under the theme "Mary, Woman of Prayer." This event, a staple in the Catholic calendar since the early 1950s, is a time for spiritual renewal and community fellowship.

The programme begins with the recitation of the Rosary at 11.30 am at St Mary's Church, followed by Exposition and Silent Adoration from 12 noon until 3.00 pm. During this period, visiting priests will offer the Sacrament of Reconciliation in the Shrine Church, while Private Healing Prayer will be available in a tented chapel just inside the Abbey gates.

At 2.15 pm, a Rosary procession will start in the Abbey grounds, followed by the Pilgrimage Mass at 3.30 pm, celebrated by Bishop Bosco MacDonald in the Abbey grounds.

Practical Information for Pilgrims

To accommodate the influx of visitors, Glastonbury Event Car Park, known as 'Herbie's Field,' will be available for pilgrims, providing space for up to 400 cars, including minibuses. Located on Northload Bridge on the B3151, the car park is a short 12-minute walk from the Shrine and Abbey gate. A pedestrian crossing is available near the car park for safe access.

The car park will open at 9:30 am on Sunday, 14th July, and will close at 6:00 pm. A donation of £5 per car and £10 for minibuses is requested, payable in cash. For those wishing to stay in Glastonbury for the evening, municipal car parks are free after 6:00 pm.

Please note, a road closure will be in place on Sunday, 14th July, between 1:00 pm and 4:00 pm, affecting High Street, Lambrook Street, Chilkwell Street, and Magdalene Street. Pilgrims and visitors are advised to plan their routes accordingly.

These annual pilgrimages offer a unique opportunity for worshippers to connect with their faith, seek the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary, and experience spiritual renewal in the peaceful environment of Glastonbury's sacred landscape.