Andy Drozdziak
Singer-songwriter and former X-Factor finalist Talia Dean is ‘over the moon’ to launch CAFOD’s first-ever Big Pilgrimage event.
Talia Dean will lead worship songs during a holy hour on 1st June as part of the launch of the Big Pilgrimage 2024 at St George’s Cathedral in Southwark, in her new role as an ambassador for the international aid agency.
Talia, who competed in Series 14 of The X Factor in 2017, and was mentored by Nicole Scherzinger of the Pussycat Dolls, said: “I was over the moon when I was asked to become an Ambassador for CAFOD. I’ve been supporting the charity’s work since I was a child – I find it inspiring that they are helping people in some of the world’s worst humanitarian crises, driven by their love of God.”
CAFOD’s Big Pilgrimage, which involves walking and praying towards a holy site, is being launched ahead of the Jubilee year, which runs from December 2024 until December 2025 on the theme ‘Pilgrims of Hope’. A Jubilee year is a special year of forgiveness and reconciliation, inspired by the Bible, in which people are invited to come back into right relationship with God, with one another, and with all of creation. A Jubilee year is celebrated by the Church every 25 years.
Talia Dean believes that the year is ‘a fantastic opportunity’ for pilgrims. She said: “When they asked if I’d lead worship songs as part of the Big Pilgrimage launch, it felt like it was God’s timing as I’m now dedicating myself full-time to Christian worship music. Supporting this pilgrimage will help me grow spiritually and will be a fantastic opportunity for the pilgrims to encounter the love of God.”
People who sign up for CAFOD’s Big Pilgrimage can choose to visit one of three different hospitality hubs. They will also be able to take part in a pilgrimage walk, the first of which is taking place at St George’s Cathedral in Southwark on Saturday 1st June. This will be followed by events at Ampleforth Abbey in North Yorkshire on 22nd June and St Thomas’ Cathedral in Northampton on 6th July. Participants will also be invited to help raise funds as part of the Sudan Crisis emergency appeal.
Dominic DeBoo, Community Fundraising Executive at CAFOD, said: “We’re thrilled and delighted that Talia kindly agreed to help us launch our first ever Big Pilgrimage event. We are excited to benefit from her talents as she leads us in prayer and worship.”
Talia said: “I have always been a Catholic but since last December my faith has come alive in a new and exciting way. I am delighted to have the opportunity, through this pilgrimage, to use my gift to share the love of God with others.”
For more information, visit www.cafod.org.uk/thebigpilgrimage