The Ninth Annual Aylesford Marian Pilgrimage of the Syro-Malabar Eparchy of Great Britain was held with profound devotion on Saturday, 23 May 2026, at Aylesford Priory, the historic Marian shrine associated with the apparition of the Blessed Virgin Mary to St. Simon Stock and the gift of the Brown Scapular. The pilgrimage was led by Mar Joseph Srampickal and brought together thousands of faithful from parishes, missions, and proposed missions across the United Kingdom.
The pilgrimage ceremonies began with the hoisting of the pilgrimage flag by the Bishop, followed by the blessing of the Cross and the reception of offerings brought from different missions. A prayerful Rosary procession through the renowned Rosary Way was organised under the leadership of the Eparchial Women’s Forum, during which the statue of Our Lady of Mount Carmel was carried solemnly by the faithful. Priests, religious sisters, and devotees from various regions of the Eparchy participated reverently in the procession.
The solemn celebration of the Holy Qurbana formed the spiritual centre of the pilgrimage. The festive liturgy was celebrated by Bishop Mar Joseph Srampickal at the specially prepared altar in front of the Grotto of the Assumption. A large number of priests from different parishes and missions concelebrated the Holy Qurbana, including Proto-Syncellus Rev. Fr. Antony Chundelikkattu and Chancellor Rev. Fr. Mathew Pinakkattu.
In his homily, Bishop Srampickal reflected on the Blessed Virgin Mary’s faithful response to God’s will and encouraged the faithful to imitate her life of holiness, obedience, and grace. He reminded the congregation that the Blessed Mother continues to guide the Church towards a deeper relationship with Christ through prayer and faithful discipleship.
The afternoon celebrations included a grand Marian procession accompanied by crosses, traditional umbrellas, devotional hymns, and sacred images of the Blessed Virgin Mary and the saints. Volunteers from the London and Canterbury regions coordinated the procession, which became a powerful witness of faith and devotion. The liturgical celebrations were further enriched by the choir led by Rev. Fr. Jose Anchanickal, together with choir members from various missions of the Eparchy.
Pilgrims were given the Brown Scapular of Our Lady of Mount Carmel following the celebrations. Arrangements were also made for confession, personal prayer, and veneration at the Relic Chapel of St. Simon Stock and other chapels within the shrine. Various ministries and organisations of the Eparchy, including the Men’s Forum, Women’s Forum, SMYM, and Catechism departments, assisted in organising refreshments, devotional stalls, and other facilities for the pilgrims.
At the conclusion of the pilgrimage, Chief Co-ordinator Rev. Fr. Shinoj Kalarickal expressed gratitude to all priests, volunteers, trustees, choir members, and faithful who contributed to the successful organisation of the event. The Tenth Annual Aylesford Marian Pilgrimage will be held on Saturday, 29 May 2027.
