On Saturday we attended the Birmingham Diocesan pilgrimage, which was a fitting excuse to spend a long weekend staying with my cousin Janie (Maddy's godmother). Archbishop Vincent Nichols led the pilgrimage, which began at the Catholic Shrine with Mass.
This shrine is built just next to the Slipper Chapel, which was the last chapel before the final holy mile walk down to Walsingham. It was restored to the Catholic Church in 1896 by Charlotte Pearson Boyd, having been used as a barn and cowshed at various time following the reformation.
When there are large pilgrimages such as this one, the Chapel of Reconciliation is opened out to become an open-air affair. It was originally an outdoor altar, but the large barn-like chapel was built in the early 80s to replace this.
We took up shelter inside the chapel for the Mass, seeing as it was threatening to rain (and rain it did). I also thought this would give the added bonus of facing the same direction as His Grace when he offered Mass; unfortunately 20 concelebrating priests behind him in the Sanctuary blocked the view somewhat! The Archbishop preached about St. Dominic and the Rosary, and its role in our devotional life in defence of world-views which are at odds with the Faith.
A procession along the Holy Mile then followed, led by cross-bearer, serviettes, and a Statue of Our Lady of Walsingham carried by some prominent ladies. There were even a couple of birettas to spot among the clerics. It was raining quite heavy at this point, and we drove down to the town instead. After a coffee we rejoined the pilgrims in the Abbey grounds (the ruins left from the 'reformation') for exposition of the Blessed Sacrament, a couple of Latin Hymns, and Benediction.
Once the Blessed Sacrament had been processed out, the Archbishop led prayers at the site of the Holy House. This shrine was established in 1061 when the Virgin Mary asked Richeldis de Faverches to build a replica of the house in Nazareth where the Annunciation had occurred. This is why Walsingham is (or was) referred to as 'England's Nazareth', with countless pilgrims flocking to the site on Pilgrimage.
Vincent Nichols spoke warmly of the re-establishment of this tradition in recent times. Indeed, it is so encouraging that Pope Leo XIII's prophecy, "When England goes back to Walsingham, Our Lady will come back to England" may be bearing fruit. Even the Anglicans have attempted to recreate a shrine, although theirs is a shrine with nothing to enshrine (since they have done so well to destroy it all in previous generations), opting instead for an aping of Catholicism which only serves to undermine their need for return to the Church.
This shrine is built just next to the Slipper Chapel, which was the last chapel before the final holy mile walk down to Walsingham. It was restored to the Catholic Church in 1896 by Charlotte Pearson Boyd, having been used as a barn and cowshed at various time following the reformation.
When there are large pilgrimages such as this one, the Chapel of Reconciliation is opened out to become an open-air affair. It was originally an outdoor altar, but the large barn-like chapel was built in the early 80s to replace this.We took up shelter inside the chapel for the Mass, seeing as it was threatening to rain (and rain it did). I also thought this would give the added bonus of facing the same direction as His Grace when he offered Mass; unfortunately 20 concelebrating priests behind him in the Sanctuary blocked the view somewhat! The Archbishop preached about St. Dominic and the Rosary, and its role in our devotional life in defence of world-views which are at odds with the Faith.
A procession along the Holy Mile then followed, led by cross-bearer, serviettes, and a Statue of Our Lady of Walsingham carried by some prominent ladies. There were even a couple of birettas to spot among the clerics. It was raining quite heavy at this point, and we drove down to the town instead. After a coffee we rejoined the pilgrims in the Abbey grounds (the ruins left from the 'reformation') for exposition of the Blessed Sacrament, a couple of Latin Hymns, and Benediction.
Once the Blessed Sacrament had been processed out, the Archbishop led prayers at the site of the Holy House. This shrine was established in 1061 when the Virgin Mary asked Richeldis de Faverches to build a replica of the house in Nazareth where the Annunciation had occurred. This is why Walsingham is (or was) referred to as 'England's Nazareth', with countless pilgrims flocking to the site on Pilgrimage.Vincent Nichols spoke warmly of the re-establishment of this tradition in recent times. Indeed, it is so encouraging that Pope Leo XIII's prophecy, "When England goes back to Walsingham, Our Lady will come back to England" may be bearing fruit. Even the Anglicans have attempted to recreate a shrine, although theirs is a shrine with nothing to enshrine (since they have done so well to destroy it all in previous generations), opting instead for an aping of Catholicism which only serves to undermine their need for return to the Church.
"O Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of God and our most gentle Queen and Mother look down in mercy upon England, thy dowry, and upon us who greatly hope and trust in thee. By thee it was that Jesus, our Saviour and our hope was given unto the world; and He has given thee to us that we might hope still more. Plead for us thy children, whom thou didst receive and accept at the foot of the cross, O Sorrowful Mother, Intercede for our separated brethren, that with us in the one true fold, they may be united to the Chief Shepherd, the Vicar of thy Son. Pray for us all, dear Mother, that by faith, fruitful in good works we may all deserve to see and praise God, together with thee in our heavenly home. AMEN."
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