Roman Catholic Bishopric Of The Forces
"Defende nos in Proelio"
upcoming Events
International Military Pilgrimage to Lourdes
Thursday 21st May 2026, returning Monday 25th May 2026
Serving personnel may obtain details from their Military Chaplain or from the Pilgrimage Organiser: Father Nick Gosnell, Cathedral of St. Michael and St. George, Queens Avenue, Aldershot, Hampshire GU11 2BY. Tel: 01252 315042.
The Travel agents are Tangney Tours, Pilgrim House, Station Road, Borough Green, Kent TN15 8AF. Tel: 01732 886666
Annual Naval Mass
Sunday, 28th June 2026, St Mary and St Boniface’s Cathedral, Plymouth
Serving Personnel, Veterans and their families are invited to come together at the Annual Naval Mass to celebrate their identity as members of the Armed Forces in the wider Catholic Community.
Dress: Serving personnel - Royal Navy 1B / Royal Marines Blues with medals Veterans are encouraged to wear their medals.
For more details, please contact the Royal Navy Catholic Chaplaincy (Email.Dominic.Washington101@mod.gov.uk)
All Welcome
Annual Naval Mass
Sunday, 5th July 2026, St John's Catholic Cathedral, Portsmouth
Serving Personnel, Veterans and their families are invited to come together at the Annual Naval Mass to celebrate their identity as members of the Armed Forces in the wider Catholic Community.
Dress:
Serving personnel - Royal Navy 1B / Royal Marines Blues with medals Veterans are encouraged to wear their medals
For more details, please contact the Royal Navy Catholic Chaplaincy (Email. Dominic.Washington101@mod.gov.uk)
All Welcome
Annual Masses for the Royal Air Force - 2026
Once again there will be 2 Masses in 2026 for the Royal Air Force. All are welcome to join with the Bishop of the Forces, the RAF Principal Roman Catholic Chaplain, and the RAF Whole Force RC Community together in celebration.
The Masses will take place at the military Cathedral of St Michael and St George, Queen's Avenue, Aldershot at 1100 on Sunday 26 April 2026, and at The Central Church of the RAF, St Clement Danes, The Strand, London at 1400 on Thursday 8 October 2026.
Light refreshments will be served following both Masses. For further information, or to indicate your attendance, please contact Wg Cdr (rtd) Jem Wynne at jeremy.wynne109@mod.gov.uk. Serving personnel are invited to wear No. 1 uniform. All are very welcome to attend.
You are invited to take part in a Walking Pilgrimage to Assisi
10-17 October 2026
2026 marks the 800th anniversary of the death of St Francis of Assisi. Pope Leo has proclaimed a Franciscan Jubilee Year for 2026. This holy year invites the faithful to pilgrimages, particularly to Franciscan sites, offering a plenary indulgence and focusing on peace, ecology, and Franciscan spirituality. The divided world is in great need for the Franciscan message of peace.
To mark the Franciscan Jubilee Year, and to respond to the call of Pope Leo for pilgrimage, the Bishopric of the Forces is organising a walking pilgrimage along the Via di Francesco or Way of St Francis. We will start in the Umbrian town of Terni and walk 105km over 6 days through beautiful Umbrian countryside finishing at the shrine of St Francis in Assisi. Accommodation will be provided in a religious house in Spoleto. Bishop Paul will lead us on this pilgrimage with daily Mass and devotions offered for peace in the world. We have space for 16 pilgrims from across the Wole Force.
Should you be interested in this opportunity please contact jeremy.wynne109@mod.gov.uk for further information.
