Walsingham

Friday 13th April saw our happy band of pilgrims wending their way on the coach to Walsingham for the 2007 pilgrimage. As the new pilgrim it has befallen to me to write a synopsis of our visit.

We arrived at Walsingham at 3.pm having picked up the other pilgrims at St Alban’s West Leigh and joining them in their church for the Blessing. Two stops were made en route for coffee and lunch, in Bury St Edmunds. What a lovely place! We arrived in the Holy House on time for our first visit. The experience, as a first timer entering the Holy House, was very humbling yet awe-inspiring and I spent the whole weekend being struck by the beauty of everything, both inside and out. Supper followed our own pilgrims’ Mass and the evening ended with Shrine Prayers and Compline.

Saturday morning dawned bright and sunny and we had Stations of the Cross after breakfast. Some pilgrims then walked and others drove to the Slipper Chapel and Catholic Shrine. The afternoon was spent in various ways - at Sandringham, Wells next the Sea or simply exploring Walsingham itself, browsing in the shops or relaxing in the Abbey grounds in the beautiful sunshine.

After the Mass of our Lady of Walsingham we took part in the candlelit procession which was very mystical as we wove our way around the grounds which were bathed in the mist rolling in from the sea after such a hot day. I was also very privileged to have been able to serve at this service. Benediction followed the procession and then we had a pilgrims’ party to celebrate Dick Handy’s birthday. A great time was had by all.

Hot sunshine again greeted us on Sunday morning. We participated in our own very moving Healing Mass. After lunch we all went to the Sprinkling and Anointing which was followed by the procession of the Blessed Sacrament through the grounds, this time bathed in bright sunlight.

I found the whole experience of these different ceremonies very moving, enhanced by the fabulous music and the beauty and atmosphere of the Shrine. We had fantastic food, fine wine, glorious weather and for me, I was able to return to Waterlooville feeling both mentally and spiritually uplifted, ready to face whatever life might throw at me over the next year.

Anne Morgan

If you would like to join the Walsingham Pilgrimage in 2008, please ask Yvonne Jones for more information.