Pilgrimage to Northern France (Upper Norwood)
07 June, 2026
Between the 27 and 31 May 2026, a five-day pilgrimage was organised by the SDC centre of Upper Norwood for members of the SDC Friends Group, with accommodation being provided in a countryside house near Amiens, France.
During the pilgrimage, a number of places of religious, historical and cultural interest were visited. Among these were the city of Amiens and its renowned Gothic cathedral, the town of Abbeville, and the magnificent Cathedral of Beauvais. Various sites in the Somme region were also explored, including several military cemeteries and the Somme Museum in the town of Albert.
On Friday, a pilgrimage was made to the town of Lisieux, associated with the life of St Thérèse of the Child Jesus. Visits were made to Les Buissonnets, the family home where St Thérèse spent her childhood, the Carmel Convent, the Cathedral of St Pierre, and the Basilica of St Thérèse. Participation was also taken in the celebration of Holy Mass at the Basilica.
Each evening, members gathered for prayer and reflection, during which various themes were considered and discussed.
On the return journey to London on Sunday, a stop was made in Arras, where Holy Mass was attended. The liturgy also included the celebration of Baptisms and the First Holy Communion of several children.
The pilgrimage provided participants with an opportunity for spiritual enrichment, fellowship, and a deeper appreciation of the rich religious heritage of the region.
