The European Association of the Via Francigena Ways is pleased to announce that the Confraternity of Pilgrims to Rome (CPR) will hold its annual conference on 15th March 2025 at St. George’s Cathedral in Southwark, London. This is a not-to-be-missed opportunity to hear stories from pilgrims who have walked the Via Francigena, and to learn from their tales and experiences about how to plan your own journey along this historic route.
2025 Conference: “The Many Ways to Rome”
This year, the conference will focus on how pilgrims can personalise their journey by deviating from the official route at certain stages or extending the trip, both before Canterbury and after Rome. The idea is to explore the flexibility of the Via Francigena, which offers endless possibilities to tailor the journey to the individual needs and desires of each pilgrim.
The day, which will be filled with inspiration and useful information for those wishing to embark on their pilgrimage along this historic route, will begin at 10:00 for those wishing to participate in the guided walk from St. Paul’s Cathedral to the conference venue. Led by Brian Mooney, Vice President of the Confraternity of Pilgrims to Rome and an experienced pilgrim who has walked both directions, from Rome to London and vice versa, alongside Eamonn Mullally, Trustee of the Confraternity and an official London tour guide, the walk will conclude at St. George’s Cathedral.
The official conference proceedings will begin at 13:00 at Amigo Hall, within St. George’s Cathedral. During the break at 12:30, tea and coffee will be available for participants.
The Speakers
Throughout the conference, there will be numerous talks by experts in the field:
- Ben Eley will share his journey that combined the Via Francigena with the Via Sacra (Western Front Way). Ben walked from Rome to London, deviating at various points from the Via Francigena to follow the Via Sacra, creating a route that recalls the battles of the First World War. During his talk, he will share his motivations and the experiences he had along this road of remembrance.
- Sandy Brown and Nicole Bukaty will present their Guide to the Southern Via Francigena, which stretches from Rome to the heel of Italy, at Santa Maria di Leuca. Through the cities of Bari, Brindisi, and Lecce, and landscapes ranging from hills to olive groves, Sandy and Nicole will explore the wonders of this lesser-known but equally fascinating section of the Via Francigena.
- Finally, there will be an update on the British Francigena, which has recently received official recognition as a historic connection to the Via Francigena. This new stretch links London to Canterbury and represents an incredible cultural addition to the historic route.
At the end of the talks, there will be an opportunity to take part in a panel of experienced pilgrims who will be available to answer questions from the audience and help participants plan their journey, offering practical advice and inspiring stories.
During the event, attendees will also have the chance to meet volunteers from the Confraternity of Pilgrims to Rome and learn how to contribute to supporting the organisation.
Additionally, there will be opportunities to join or renew membership. Members enjoy free access to both the walk and the conference, so for anyone not yet a member, this is the perfect occasion to sign up and enjoy all the benefits offered.
Finally, at 15:30, the event will move to the Three Stags pub for a more informal gathering, where participants can continue to exchange experiences, ask questions, and share stories about their pilgrimage along the Via Francigena.
In short, a unique experience in the heart of London, to listen to, tell, and share stories about the Via Francigena from England to Puglia.
