A spectacular spiritual journey to remember
Every year, Norfolk’s churches and sites of religious importance attract thousands of visitors from all around the world. None more so than The Shrine of Our Lady of Walsingham, which has become known to many pilgrims as ‘England’s Nazareth’...
Nestled within Norfolk’s luscious countryside just four miles from the county’s stunning coastline, The Shrine of Our Lady of Walsingham is a symbolic and historic landmark in the humble village of Walsingham, and one of England’s premier attractions for religious devotees. Its story began in the 11th century when Richeldis de Faverches, a Saxon noblewoman who had a deep faith in God and a devotion to Mary, had a vision that would ultimately change the course of Walsingham’s history forever.
It is said that Richeldis was taken by Mary in spirit to her house in Nazareth where the Angel Gabriel had asked her to become the Mother of Jesus. Whilst there, she was invited to build an exact replica of that house in Walsingham. Soon after as Richeldis kept a vigil of prayer, the materials that she had been given to build the house were miraculously constructed to create what was soon to become known as the Holy House of Walsingham. For centuries pilgrims from across England flocked to the village to pray in the Holy House, creating a legacy that has stood the test of time.
The Shrine of Our Lady of Walsingham has been host to many famous figures in recent years, including HRH Princess Alexandra who opened the Shrine’s refectory in 2001, and the current Archbishop of Canterbury. Every pilgrim who visits Walsingham follows in the footsteps of historic royalty such as King Henry III who first visited in 1226, and subsequent monarchs including Edward II, Edward III, Henry IV, Henry VII and Henry VIII, who ultimately destroyed the original Holy House in 1538.
After nearly 400 years, the 20th century saw the restoration of Pilgrimage to Walsingham as it once again became a regular feature of Christian life. It started with Fr. Hope Patten, who was appointed as the Vicar of Walsingham in 1921. One of Fr Patten’s first tasks was to commission a new statue of the image of Our Lady of Walsingham, the original one having also been destroyed by Henry VIII. In 1922, the new statue was placed by Fr Patten inside Walsingham Parish Church and pilgrims gathered at England’s Nazareth once more.
For many Christians, Pilgrimage is an essential part of life and living. There are numerous reasons why someone might choose to embark on the journey, from a desire to explore and deepen their relationship with God to seeking either physical or spiritual healing. Travelling to The Shrine of Our Lady of Walsingham is an opportunity for pilgrims to reflect on the Incarnation of Jesus: the belief that God became man and was born of a woman. Indeed, the Holy House is a reminder of Nazareth, of the house in which Jesus lived as a child and young man. By visiting it, and praying within it, pilgrims believe that they are identifying with those influences which were formative as Jesus grew from childhood to adulthood.
Altogether, Walsingham attracts over 300,000 visitors each year, with several distinctive and well attended events held throughout the Pilgrimage season. The most notable and anticipated event on the calendar is the National Pilgrimage, which takes place annually on the Spring Bank Holiday. “The National Pilgrimage is one of the highlights of the year,” says Fr. Kevin Smith, who is the priest administrator at the shrine. “Thousands of pilgrims from all over the country gather in Walsingham to celebrate and share their faith, following in the footsteps of those who have made their way to this holy place down the ages. There is always a festive atmosphere and pilgrims from all walks of life enjoy being together, meeting up with friends and taking part in the services. It is a wonderful sight to see the procession making its way up the High Street and to hear the singing of the pilgrim hymn. It should be a great day.”
This year the event commences on Sunday 28th May at 9pm in the shrine church where pilgrims will be able to gather and participate in an all-night prayer vigil that will conclude the following morning. On Monday 29th at noon a procession will begin from the shrine church with many visiting bishops in attendance, including The Right Revd Graham Usher, Bishop of Norwich. The procession will finish at the nearby ancient abbey grounds where the original Holy House had once stood. A solemn mass will then be offered, led by The Right Revd Will Hazlewood, Bishop of Lewes, who will be the principal celebrant.
Following the mass, pilgrims can enjoy some food and festivities at the shrine’s first ever beer festival before returning to the abbey grounds at 2.30pm for the 2023 National Pilgrimage sermon, which will be given by The Right Revd Norman Banks, Bishop of Richborough. The day will conclude with a prayerful procession around the village before returning to the abbey grounds for Benediction. A joyful and uplifting celebration, the National Pilgrimage 2023 will be a day to remember offering moving liturgies, beautiful music, powerful teachings, and prayerful processions.
IMAGES © Rose Conyers