Year 7 Pilgrimage to Aylesford Priory

Tuesday, 1st July 2025

All pupils in Year 7 took part in a pilgrimage to Aylesford Priory on Tuesday, 1st July. Braving the hottest day of the year so far, pupils embraced the opportunity to experience life in the Carmelite Priory, located on the banks of the River Medway, near Maidstone, Kent. This year’s visit was particularly special as it falls within the Jubilee Year, a time when we are invited to reflect on being Pilgrims of Hope.

Aylesford Priory, also known as The Friars, is a site of deep historical and spiritual significance, especially for the Carmelite Order. Established in 1242 as the first Carmelite house in England, it holds an important place in Carmelite tradition. It is also believed to be the site where St. Simon Stock received his vision of the Brown Scapular.

Accompanied by their teachers, pupils explored several key features of the Priory, completing activities in their workbooks at locations such as the Relic Chapel, the Peace Garden, and the Rosary Walk. At each stop, they were encouraged to reflect not only on the beauty of their surroundings but also on their own personal spiritual journeys.

At midday, the school group joined other pilgrims for a special celebration of Mass in the Relic Chapel. We were honoured that Fr Michael Cox, O.Carm, the Prior of Aylesford, celebrated the Mass. In a special gesture to mark our visit—and that of a group of headteachers from the Maryvale Institute attending a conference—Fr Michael wore blue vestments, the Marian colour. For Carmelites, the Blessed Virgin Mary, specifically under the title of Our Lady of Mount Carmel, is incredibly important as their patroness and spiritual mother. She is seen as a guide, protector, and source of inspiration for their contemplative life and service to God. 

Fr Michael’s homily focused on the continuing importance of Mary, not only during Jesus’ time but in our world today. He left us with a powerful message to reflect on: “Love has no limits.” These are the enduring values of Mary and the Gospel.

A heartfelt thank you to Fr Michael and the Friars of Aylesford Priory for their warm welcome, and to Mr Saint-Prix, who led the pilgrimage, along with all the staff members who supported the visit.