Walsingham Pilgimage


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On Saturday September 29, members of St Wilfrids Church joined pilgrims from other Lincolnshire churches on our annual Deanery Pilgrimage to Walsingham. Joining us on our journey was Fr Terry Steel, Rural Dean, Fr Edward and Fr Charles, along with other members of clergy. We had an early 8pm start, the weather cold and dull, but not our spirits, During our journey Fr Edward led us into prayer.

Arriving in Walsingham with just time for coffee, before we went into the Shrine Church, for The Pilgrims Mass. This was a most beautiful, spiritual service, the smell of the incense so intense and beautiful, made even more special for us as Fr Terry, Fr Edward and Fr Charles were taking an active part in the mass. After mass it was time to go to the refectory for our lunch. This part of the day always reminds me of my school days. As usual a lovely prepared meal was enjoyed by all.

After lunch we again went into the Shrine Church to the "Sprinkling at the Well". Sprinkling at the well is the Pilgrimage devotion most distinctive to Walsingham. It is a reminder of its history and of our character as Christians, The well is thought to date back to the 11th century and must have been used by those who knew the first Holy House. Receiving the waters therefore connects us with pilgrims across the centuries. Going down the well also reminds us of descent into the font at baptism, when we were incorporated into Christ Jesus and our pilgrimage of faith began.

Pilgrims receive the water in three ways

A sip of water to drink
The sign of the cross on your forehead
Water poured into your open hands.

A prayer is said by the priest as pilgrims are sprinkled

May almighty God at the intercession of Our Lady of Walsingham grant you health and peace. Amen.

After a cup of tea it was then time to go into the Holy House which contains the image of Our Lady of Walsingham. Here we spent some quite time to reflect on our faith and lit candles for our loved ones.

Now at 4.15pm it was time to go for the "Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament" and last visit to the Holy House. Having recognized Jesus in the breaking of the bread in the Eucharist, we recognize again his presence with us in the bread which is his body,. Now it is time for the Blessed Sacrament to be returned from the Altar to the Tabernacle, again Fr Charles was assisting at this beautiful moving service. Now all the pilgrims were ask to turn and face the Holy House, and say a prayer

Now it was our time to leave this most beautiful place, but not before we said our prayer to Our Lady of Walsingham

O Mary mother of Jesus,
I thank God through your son, for the grace of a happy pilgrimage
And for all that has happened to me while I have been here,
pray for all those I have met here and for all my fellow pilgrims,
pray that I may have a safe and happy return home,
and that God may give me the grace to do at home what you have taught me to do here.

O holy house of Walsingham
Here would we ever dwell
But Jesus calls us to the strife
And tumults of our daily life
Our Lady’s Shrine "Farewell"

After a most beautiful day, with quiet reflection we left Walsingham to join our coach for our journey home

Elizabeth Smart