Walsingham

On November 17th a group of 20 of us from the Priory went on our annual Pilgrimage to Walsingham, for a weekend of praise and meditation as well as a good opportunity to chat and get to know the people we don't normally get chance to speak to. I've been going now for several years, to the point that I've lost count, but for a good friend of mine, Charlotte Hewitt, it was her first time, so who better to write about what happened, eh George?

The Walsingham Pilgrimage as seen by Charlotte on her first ever visit :

Not so long ago, in the not so far away place of Walsingham, 20 pilgrims gathered for the yearly pilgrimage. For some this was getting to be a tradition, for others it was an entirely new experience.

After visiting the Slipper Chapel and looking round there, we went to book in - Andrew and Val made a new friend at the accommodation office - they got so friendly that the man in the office got up and put the closed sign on the door every time they passed the door!! After settling in it was soon time for supper, which was er Salmon, wasn't it Frank? or was it steamed fish? I don't quite remember.....

Later we entered the Shrine for our first visit there that weekend, where we joined with another group.

Of course, we could not go on without a get together, and we all met up in St. Columbus house. It was supposed to be a get together, but did start off rather as what some described as a P.C.C. meeting...

On Saturday we were up bright and early for Morning Prayer and after breakfast we joined another group for mass seeing as we no longer have our own Vicar. After a little free time it was lunch, after which most of us took a trip to Cley-next-the-Sea to visit the Church of St Margaret of Antioch. I'm a bit stuck on how to phrase the next bit. But erm, let's just say it was rather eventful, was it not George!! The Church itself was big and open but the lighting of it really added an autumnal feel, which may sound odd, but was really lovely. We went to a pub nearby to warm up (honestly!) as the Church was as cold, if not colder than the Priory!

We then made our way back to Walsingham and after supper, the mass of Healing and Reconciliation took place. Most people went up for 'laying on of hands' and 'anointing'. It was a very moving service, and I think everyone gained something from it.

As it was the last night, we all met in St. Columbus house again, reviewing the events of the day!

Sunday morning dawned bright and cold and after Morning Prayer in St Columbus (the Chapel was booked) and breakfast, we had Stations of the Cross, at which various members of the party read, it was shortened down slightly as the morning was very chilly!!

At ll a.m. we all made our way up to the parish church of St. Mary's for Sunday Mass. The church is lovely and the windows could be described as 'all the primary colours, a bit like the colours of a child's painting'.

After a delicious Sunday roast back at the Refectory, it was nearly it was almost time to depart, but not before 'Sprinkling' and a last visit to the Holy House, all of which again was very moving and everyone like myself were sad to leave this wonderful place. But, we know you could not go on at the Priory without us so we have returned!!

Walsingham, for me, has been a brilliant experience - one I hope to enjoy again!

If you would like to visit the Walsingham website, then please click HERE.

To the right I have put pictures of St Margarets of Antioch, the church we visited on the Saturday afternoon.