On the 16th of June 1979, John Armitage was ordained a Roman Catholic priest. In 2014, it was announced that Armitage would take up the position of
Rector of the National Basilica of Our Lady of Walsingham, leaving the role of Vicar General for the Diocese of Brentwood. On the 29th of March 2020, Armitage took part in the rededication of England to the
Dowry of Mary at the
Basilica of Our Lady of Walsingham, Norfolk. In 2020, Armitage was replaced as Rector of the Basilica by
Philip Moger. Armitage's final mass as Rector of the Basilica took place on the 30 August 2020. In July 2020, the
Guild of Our Lady of Ransom appointed Armitage as Master of the Guild. == Media Appearances ==