Students and staff from three St Helens secondary schools came together in May to take part in a special Jubilee Year pilgrimage to the Shrine of St Anne and Blessed Dominic in Sutton, designated as a pilgrimage church in the Archdiocese of Liverpool.  

 

In a sign of faith and unity, students from De La Salle School, St Augustine of Canterbury Catholic Academy, and St Cuthbert’s Catholic High School walked from their schools to the historic shrine, joining as one community of Pilgrims of Hope.  

 

Each school journeyed on foot, with students from De La Salle walking for over ninety minutes across the borough, while St Augustine of Canterbury students walked for around an hour – stopping enroute to collect and cheer fellow pilgrims from St Cuthbert’s. Along the way, students sang hymns and offered encouragement to one another, walking through neighbourhoods, crossing busy roads, and making their way through peaceful woodland paths.  

 

Upon arrival, the pilgrims received a warm welcome from parish volunteers and were invited to explore the history and significance of the Shrine, learning more about Blessed Dominic Barberi, Venerable Ignatius Spencer, and Venerable Elizabeth Prout. 

 

The day included time for a shared, received input on the Sacrament of Reconciliation, and had the opportunity to go to confession. Many students took the opportunity to receive the Sacrament, with one young pilgrim reflecting: “Going to confession helped me to let go of stress and feel better about myself.”  

 

Meeting new people and taking time for reflection were highlights for many. One student commented: “It was great to meet students from other schools and have a day to think about what I’m grateful for.”  

 

The pilgrimage concluded with a short service of thanksgiving and a chance to walk through the Shrine’s Holy Door, passing the tombs of the saints.  

 

The special day served as a reminder that everyone are Pilgrims of Hope, called to walk together in faith through school life, family life, and the wider community.