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Archbishop John speaks on the joy of Mary making Jesus known and loved at England's Anglican National Shrine to Our Lady

“Without Mary, we would be without Jesus; without the mother, there is no son", Archbishop John Wilson, Archbishop of Southwark, told the many pilgrims gathered at the National Anglican Pilgrimage to Walsingham on Monday 25 May.

The Roman Catholic Archbishop of Southwark’s presence at the pilgrimage reflects the shared devotion to Our Lady, especially within England, that unites Christians of different traditions at this holy place, long venerated as "England's Nazareth."

His address centred on the indispensable role of Our Lady in salvation history and the joy that flows from her faith. Drawing on the deep theological connection between Mary and Christ, Archbishop John explained that everything the Church believes about Mary – the Immaculate Conception, the Virgin Birth, the Assumption – is inseparable from what she believes about her Son.

At the heart of his address was a meditation on joy, especially the joy of Mary as the pattern of authentic Christian life. "Mary's joy comes from knowing and loving Jesus, and from making Jesus known and loved," he told pilgrims, calling each person present to rediscover in themselves the confidence that they are a beloved child of the Father, adding that “each of us is the pearl of great price for whom the Lord Jesus gave everything”.

Archbishop John also reflected on the significance of pilgrimage itself as an image of the ecumenical journey. "Travelling together is integral to discipleship", he said. "We accompany each other on the pilgrimage of faith, keeping Christ at the centre, rejoicing with Mary, and sharing our stories as witnesses of hope. This characterises our ecumenical journey too, as we search for unity of faith and communion."

Archbishop John wore the insignia of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem during the pilgrimage, calling on those present to pray for peace in the Holy Land and for solidarity with persecuted Christians there.

The Archbishop delivered his sermon after the pilgrimage break for lunch, joining the pilgrims on the procession of Our Lady of Walsingham. The full homily is available here.