The Walsingham Story and a weekend in April brought together small groups of congregation from St George's Church and St Albans Church West Leigh.
Despite the mixture of weather including stormy winds, the calling of the Shrine provided the Pilgrims with the hospitality and sanctity for which Walsingham is renowned.
The Shrine which consists of the Holy House, Holy Well, beautiful gardens surrounded by historic buildings given to Shrine accommodation was tranquil. Historically Walsingham dates back to 1061 when Lady Richeldis, Lady of the Manor of Walsingham, was led in spirit to 'Nazarath'. Lady Richeldis then commanded a Holy House to be built at Walsingham in the likeness of the Holy House at Nazareth, scene of the Annunciation. The Holy House is dedicated to our Blessed Lady and although rebuilt in the 1930's was originally a wooden chapel built in Saxon times.
The beautiful services, held each with its own special meaning, whether it was mass, candlelight procession, sprinkling on the well or Benediction could not fail to provide spiritual enrichment. Visits were made to the Catholic 'Slipper' Chapel and Abbey grounds nearby.
The Parish Church of St Mary's Walsingham did not fail members of our party who enjoyed the Parish Mass in the large beautiful church.
Piety, Pubs, Peace, Prayer and Pleasure describes our weekend away although we were soon put to shame on arrival encountering a group of Pilgrims from London arrived, having walked barefoot from London to Norfolk. Sheer dedication indeed.
Despite our usual frivolous behaviour, yes, Mrs Wills! - mannikins and pennies have been noted, along with hair curlers at lunch! An excellent weekend due to hard efforts of Yvonne Jones and Father Malcolm.
Walsingham 1997 written by Candy Williams
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page last updated 8 JUNE 1997