Previous Pilgrimages
The pilgrimage began in 1984 with two coaches from London, led by Fr Jeremy Davies (Westminster Diocese). The intention was, and still is, to pray for an end to abortion and to make reparation for the millions of abortions that have taken place. Soon, others began to come, at first by car and then later by coach. Now, more than a 1000 pilgrims travel by coach from many points. Information about the pilgrimage is widely circulated among individuals and small groups in many other areas too. All pro-life leaders are invited to join the pilgrimage and are asked to encourage their members to take part.
We have been blessed and encouraged by the Bishops who have led the pilgrimages over the years, and have spoken with compassion, understanding and hope. Pilgrims have returned to their homes strengthened for the tasks they undertake on behalf of those who have no voice of their own.
Bishop John Keenan
In 2025 the Pilgrimage was led by Bishop John Keenan (Paisley),
his theme, ‘Hope in the Holy Spirit, the LORD and giver of l.ife
His homily can be found here
Bishop John Keenan was born on 19th December 1964 in Glasgow. He was educated at the Salesian College, Shrigley Park, Cheshire; University of Glasgow 1984-1988 (LL.B); Gregorian University, Rome 1988-1995 (S.T.B., Ph.L).
Having studied at the Pontifical Scots College, Rome, he was ordained a priest on 9th July 1995 in St. Gregory’s, Wyndford by Cardinal Thomas Winning, Archbishop of Glasgow. He was an Assistant Priest in Christ the King, Kings Park from 1995-2000 and Chaplain at Holyrood High School, Glasgow from 1997 – 2000. He was a lecturer in Philosophy at Scotus College, Glasgow from 1995-2005. He was appointed as Chaplain to the University of Glasgow from 2000-2014 and Parish Priest of St. Patrick’s, Anderston from 2013-2014. He was appointed as Vocations Director of the Archdiocese of Glasgow 2013-2014.
Fr John was nominated as Bishop of Paisley, by Pope Francis, on 8th February 2014 and was ordained as the fifth Bishop of Paisley on 19th March 2014 by Archbishop Philip Tartaglia, the Archbishop of Glasgow and his predecessor in the diocese of Paisley.
Bishop John is a very prominent supporter of life at all stages, having attended the annual March for Life several times. He has taken active part in the debate on Assisted Dying. He highlights the importance of accompanying the sick, elderly and dying until their natural end. “These can be precious moments at the end of life which would be lost if we simply ended it all hopelessly.”
He has also spoken out strongly against the recently enacted Abortion Services (Safe Access Zones) (Scotland) Bill, saying, amongst other things, “This is a chilling day for fundamental freedoms, including our basic right as citizens in Scotland to manifest our beliefs in public, religious or otherwise.”
Bishops who have previously led the Pilgrimage
(homily available where names are highlighted)
Rt Rev. Bishop Mark O’Toole, Bishop of Plymouth
Rt Rev. Robert Byrne CO, Auxiliary Bishop of Birmingham.
Rt Rev. Alan Williams, Bishop of Brentwood
Rt Rev. Philip Egan, Bishop of Portsmouth
Rt Rev. Mark Davies, Bishop of Shrewsbury
Rt Rev. John Sherrington, Auxiliary Bishop of Westminster
Most Rev. Bernard Longley, Archbishop of Birmingham
Most Rev. Kevin McDonald, Archbishop of Southwark
Rt Rev. Gordon Wheeler, Bishop of Leeds
Rt Rev. Dr David Oakley, Bishop of Northampton
Rt Rev. Ambrose Griffiths, Bishop of Hexham and Newcastle
Rt Rev. Peter Doyle, Bishop of Northampton
Rt Rev. Thomas McMahon, Bishop of Brentwood
Rt Rev. Patrick O’Donoghue, Bishop of Lancaster
Rt Rev. Arthur Roche, formerly Bishop of Leeds
Rt Rev. Alan Hopes, Auxiliary Bishop of Westminster
Rt Rev. John Arnold, Auxiliary Bishop of Westminster
Rt Rev. John Hine, Auxiliary Bishop of Southwark
Rt Rev. Marcus Stock, Bishop of Leeds
Photo Gallery
