Cathedral's pilgrimage centre completed

A new centre which will welcome pilgrims and visitors to a cathedral's historic chapel has been completed.

Durham Cathedral's Cuthbert Centre for Pilgrimage and Prayer will provide a space for gathering and prayer, as well as activities to support pilgrimages across the North East.

Durham Dean, the Very Revd Dr Philip Plyming said the facility would help people "encounter the richness of pilgrimage and prayer".

Preparations continue ahead of a full progarmme launching in the spring and an open day will take place on 26 September.

The centre is in the Chapel of the Holy Cross, beneath the deanery and has energy-efficient heating and bespoke furniture.

Cathedral volunteer Lilian Groves MBE unveiled a commemorative plaque, while the Bishop of Durham, the Right Revd Rick Simpson, offered prayers.

Plyming said the project was "not simply about a building".

"It is about creating a lasting legacy that will help people encounter the richness of pilgrimage and prayer, deepen their faith, and find space for reflection and renewal," he said.

"Durham Cathedral has welcomed pilgrims for centuries and the completion of the centre begins an exciting new chapter in that continuing story - we look forward to welcoming future pilgrims and visitors."

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