A pilgrimage is a journey to a holy place and is undertaken for the glory of God, the veneration of that place or of the Saint whose shrine it may be, and in order to obtain some favour. These are the main objects of a pilgrimage.
To visit a place set apart by God, is different from praying at home or in ones parish church. These places are full of history, tradition and renowned for the many spiritual gifts and help that people have received.
The journey today need not be a long one, with modern transport, though a pilgrimage may seem to some, something old fashioned, not for them, because of what they visualise, within themselves what it is about, without really finding out.
It means giving up a few days to God, putting your hand in your pocket to pay for transport (a coach) and lodgings, making a small sacrifice for the Glory of God and to have fellowship, service and fun, it is not all serious it is a spiritual holiday, a time of refreshment.
As you know at St George's there is a group of people who belong to the Walsingham Cell, we are not elite or something special, we keep alive the spirit of Walsingham in our Church praying in particular for the many needs of people who ask for our prayers, and this we do.
The Walsingham pilgrimage exists as a result of Our Lady's petition to Richeldis in 1061 and from that time until 1538 when the shrine was destroyed this little Norfolk village has been the centre for many pilgrims to visit from kings to peasants. On the route to Walsingham were many chapels, where pilgrims could rest. These are now lost or destroyed.
The pilgrim naturally has two purposes, one to visit the Holy House in honour of the Incarnation, and to seek for a cure or a blessing at the Holy Well. Thousands come every year.
What is the Holy House you may well be asking, and who is this Richeldis. And why is it called Our Lady of Walsingham, when she is our lady all over the world?
In 1061 Our Lady appeared to a certain lady called Richeldis in that village and asked her to build a little house like her own home in Nazareth, the Holy House, which became the centre of pilgrimage and devotion for years to come. As a result of pilgrimages to Walsingham in response, through her intercession many prayers have been answered and miracles performed.
Walsingham is a lovely place, several of us go every year, taking with us your prayers and Intercessions, we are going again this year on April 4th to 6th, sharing a coach with St Albans Leigh Park. if you would like to come you will be most welcome - see Yvonne Jones.
Please if you have anyone you would like us to offer up in prayer on your behalf, put the name and request on a small card and give it to Fr Malcolm or any member of the Walsingham Cell, this is what a Pilgrimage is all about. A Holy day of love, prayer and fellowship.
Pilgrimage written by Jennefer Higginbottom
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page last updated 26 FEBRUARY 1997