On September 10th 2024, to mark the 8th Centenary of the arrival of the first Franciscan Friars on the shores of England, a pilgrimage walk was undertaken from Dover to Canterbury by present day Friars and friends.

The day began with an open-air Mass on Dover beach presided over by the Minister General of the Conventual Franciscans, Fr Carlos Trovarelli OFM Conv.

The all day walk followed the ancient Pilgrims Way, a distance of 20 miles, passing through the village of Shepherdswell on the North Downs Way which now follows the Via Francigena, the ancient pilgrim route from England, through France and Switzerland, to Rome.

About 40 pilgrims arrived at dusk in Canterbury.