Confraternity of Pilgrims to Rome
The Confraternity of Pilgrims to Rome was founded in 2006, and in 2019 was granted charitable status (registered charity number 1182135). It is a non-denominational association whose objectives are:
- to encourage, inform, and assist those making a journey to Rome along historical pilgrimage routes on foot, bicycle or horseback.
- to promote the health and cultural benefits of journeying along ancient pilgrimage routes, learning about them and engaging with those who live along them.
- to collaborate with other organisations to support the maintenance and accessibility of pilgrimage routes to and from Rome.
We believe that everyone who journeys along these ancient paths, and for whatever reason – spiritual or secular – is a pilgrim. Part of the pilgrim journey is the companionship with others on the road, and the CPR wishes to actively encourage and foster a sense of community among its members, of being part of something greater than a repository of information and guidance.
We provide information and encouragement through our website, through regular e-newsletters, other mailings, an annual printed bulletin, and publications. We also offer an email information service, aiming to respond speedily and accurately to questions both from members and non-members. We also administer the Facebook Via Francigena Group and our own Confraternity of Pilgrims to Rome Facebook page.
To foster a sense of community we hold events such as our Annual Meeting and Member Conference, and organise pilgrim festivals and walks. We regularly meet for social get-togethers in pubs in London and Canterbury, and look to extend these round the UK.