The Augustine Camino is popular with Christians from all denominations wishing to walk to Canterbury and the Shrine of St Augustine, Apostle to the English, in Ramsgate. Pilgrims visit the two first English Cathedrals at Canterbury and Rochester and Shrines to Our Lady and St Simon Stock at Aylesford Priory, St Jude at Faversham. St Thomas Becket at Canterbury and St Augustine in Ramsgate as well as the relics of St Thomas More at St Dunstan’s in Canterbury and St Mildred at Minster Abbey.
It is possible to start the pilgrimage in London at various locations. Catholics might like to start with the 7.15am Mass (most days) at St George’s Cathedral, Southwark before walking to London Bridge station for the trip to Rochester. Anglicans might like to start at the Anglican Southwark Cathedral while Ordinariate members might like to start at the Church of the Most Precious Blood in Borough. Those looking for a Latin Mass might start at St Bede’s Clapham Park (7am some days).
The pilgrimage allows plenty of opportunity for prayer and devotions. Highlights include Evensong at Canterbury Cathedral (17.30 most days), morning and evening prayer with the Carmelites at Aylesford Priory (8am and 6.30pm), Midday prayer with the nuns at Minster Abbey (12.20pm) and the Midday Pilgrim Mass at St Augustine’s Ramsgate. Most of the churches along the route are Anglican and very welcoming, including to Catholic Priests who wish to celebrate Mass.
If you need help arranging church openings or permissions just get in touch camino@augustinecamino.co.uk
Southwark Shrines: Archdiocese of Southwark (rcsouthwark.co.uk)