by Veronica Alonge-Jones
Some months before our wedding, Nicholas and I walked with the Northern Leg of the Pilgrim Cross on their annual 10-day, 120-mile pilgrimage walk from Nottingham to Walsingham for Holy Week 2024.
For Nicholas it was a regular annual event that he’d been doing for 2 decades. For me, it was my first time, and I wasn’t quite sure what to expect.
I was welcomed by all the pilgrims and made to feel welcome, but meeting Damien, I felt I made an instant friend. His twinkling eyes, friendly smile, warmth, and unfailing kindness were a comforting presence on the long road.
The indomitable way he hoisted the 10-foot Cross, was deeply inspiring.
He always looked out for everyone, had a true interest in people, always had a ready joke, was blessed with a keen wit, and had many stories to share. Over the next 10 days, spending 24 hours daily together with the group, I began to feel I’d known him all my life. One day in particular, when I’d taken a stretch out from walking, I spent several hours cooking with Damien at the next stop, waiting for the rest to arrive. We discovered a great deal in common in the kitchen, and together mused on life, our families, sharing reflections, and he told me how pleased he was “seeing Nick happy” which warmed my heart.
Over the months, I had the honour and privilege to interact with Damien again and again, digitally daily on our group chat, virtually at Zoom meetings, in-person meet-ups – once for 3 days at the Northern Leg 75th anniversary and again for another 3 days at the autumn reunion. In between, he attended our wedding and as he was leaving, gave me such a loving hug, that expressed his beautiful and gentle heart, as well as his deep loyalty to his friends and his unswerving capacity to love fiercely and authentically.
I only knew Damien for a year, but he will always live in my heart, and in the hearts of all who knew him. Rest in peace, dear Valiant Pilgrim. May God comfort your family and loved ones.
Beyond the shock of your sudden passing, we hold on to the certainty that we will see you again in glory. 
Northern Pilgrim 