Pilgrims to Rome
Here you can find out about the Confraternity of Pilgrims to Rome (CPR), how we came about and what we do. You can use the links below to go directly to the information you want
CPR -
In October 2004, a forum was set up to exchange information about the Via Francigena, an old pilgrim route stretching from Canterbury, England to Rome. After a couple of years, the growing interest in this old but underdeveloped route prompted the moderator of this forum to suggest the formation of a British ‘Friends of the Via Francigena’.
Thus it was that in November 2006 a group of people met in London to discuss this topic and agreed to form the Confraternity of Pilgrims to Rome (CPR). Although the choice of name deliberately omitted the words ‘Via Francigena’, the group felt that it would be sensible to be concerned with the traditional pilgrim routes to Rome rather than try to look after every possible route. Those present that day had either made the journey by foot or bicycle, were in the process of doing so or were planning a future pilgrimage. It was agreed that the overall aim was to help those wishing to travel by foot, bicycle or horse under their own steam by giving practical help and advice.
A number of actions arose from that meeting including the design and printing of a Pilgrim Record, establishment of a Membership Database and Accommodation List, development and implementation of a Website and formation of a Newsletter editorial team.
By January 2008 we were meeting regularly and had links with Kent City Council. However as a ‘club of experts’ we had no formal organisation or rules and any running costs were being met out of individual members’ own pockets. The group felt that this could not continue indefinitely and it was time to adopt a more structured approach with the ultimate aim of applying to become a registered charity. March 2008 saw the forerunner to our first AGM when we decided that a Constitution needed to be written and adopted,Officers found, a Bank Account opened and a Membership Fee levied. In addition we reviewed the Objectives we had set at our inaugural meeting and decided to widen them so as not to discriminate against those of reduced mobility.
At our first AGM in April 2008 a Constitution was adopted, a Steering Group elected
and rates for Membership Fees agreed. Membership Fee rates can be found on the Membership
page. Approximately 1/3 of our members are non-
This consists of Chairman, Treasurer, Secretary, Membership Secretary, Website Administrator, Newsletter Editor and AIVF Liaison. In addition there are some roles which need to be fulfilled (Librarian and Assistant Newsletter Editor) but are not required to be part of the Steering Group. The Group meets four times a year. Its activities include planning and organising Practical Pilgrim Days and General Meetings.
Primarily we aim to act as a repository of information about the pilgrim routes to Rome. We also liaise with other groups such as Canterbury Council and the International Association of the Via Francigena. Most of our Steering Group members have already made the journey to Rome either on foot or by bicycle and can be contacted to give first hand advice. Some of us live quite close to London and have met members arriving in London en route to starting their pilgrimage from Canterbury.
A library has been established (see CPR Library) which is open to the public but only CPR members may borrow books from it. In addition a searchable photo gallery has been created (see CPR Gallery).
In the past we have run events such as Wine Tasting and Practical Pilgrim Days. Members
have also participated in the walks organised by Alberto Alberti who is re-
A Newsletter is published quarterly and we also issue Pilgrim Records – to members only. We do not issue Testimoniums – this is done in Rome. Nor do we specify the minimum distance required to walk or cycle in order for the Testimonium to be awarded. This is the province of the International Association of the Via Francigena (AIVF) in collaboration with Monsignor Vercesi
Full details regarding Membership Fees and how to join are given on the Membership page (see Membership). The purpose of the subscription is to enable the Confraternity to fulfil its objectives rather than directly benefit members.
The Pilgrim Credential (also known as Pilgrim Passport or Pilgrim Record) is a certificate of bona fide pilgrim status, and is normally required if you wish to stay in refugios/monasteries. It is stamped at the beginning of your journey, and daily at Churches, Town Halls, Tourist Offices, hotels, bars etc along the way. Pilgrim records are made available only to walkers, cyclists, and pilgrims on horseback. As well as being proof of pilgrim status, many find it is a valuable souvenir and memory of their journey.
As mentioned earlier you can obtain a Credential from us provided you are a member. We have designed the document as an A6 booklet as this was felt by many to be the most convenient size. It fits easily into a pocket or bumbag. We normally email it out to minimise delays and cost though if required, a copy can be sent out by post.