Introduction 02 Contents. Introduction Message from the Rector Events Calendar Walsingham Association Retreat and AGM 2014 North Staffs WA Pilgrimage Prayers From the Archive Walsingham Development 02 03 04 06 08 10 12 13 14 16 New Shrine Website Introduction Welcome to this special edition of the Walsingham Newsletter. Something big is happening at the National Shrine and I do hope that you enjoy reading about the plans for the future of the shrine as well as current news and the activities of the Walsingham Association. This newsletter has a wide readership as it is sent to all members of the Association as well as being available to all pilgrims and visitors. If you are not a member of the Association I do ask you to consider membership as it is a wonderful way of keeping up to date with what is happening at England s Nazareth as well as promoting the shrine. Would you also please pass on this newsletter to family, friends and neighbours. Those who come to Walsingham, always come again to their spiritual home. If you have any comments about the presentation of the newsletter or suggestions please do not hesitate to contact me. With my personal best wishes from Walsingham, Look out for the new website www.walsingham.org.uk Julian Foord Editor
Welcome Mgr John Armitage Rector.. Cardinal Vincent Nichols said: I am delighted to learn that Mgr John Armitage is to take up this position. His deep devotion to Our Blessed Lady, his remarkable pastoral drive and enthusiasm, make his appointment a moment of great promise not only for the shrine but also for the Church in this country and for our mission. I thank most warmly Bishop Alan Williams of Brentwood Diocese, for his generosity of spirit in agreeing to this appointment. Mgr Armitage has long played a vital part in the life of Brentwood Diocese and his loss will be keenly felt by many. Dear Friends, I have been appointed by the bishops to run, develop and promote the Shrine. What has become very clear since I arrived is the great love for Walsingham among so many people, the wish to see it developed to be able to serve the thousands of pilgrims who come regularly each year, and to be in a position to welcome the thousands who have yet to visit and experience the peace and message of this most holy place, which is known as England s Nazareth. When, in 1061, Our Lady appeared to Richeldis, the lady of the manor, She asked that a house be built in honour of my salutation, that is, to build a replica of the Holy House of Nazareth, the place of the Annunciation. Our Lady reminds us that the Word became flesh and lived amongst us. The message of Walsingham today is to proclaim to our needy world that the WORD became flesh and LIVES among us! Walsingham has a special part to play in converting hearts for the New Evangelisation. Through the invitation of Mary in prayer, pilgrimage, retreat, reconciliation and healing, we encounter the Living God. Guided by the message of the Mother of God, men and women may experience God s Mercy and His unconditional Love. As we prepare for this Year of Mercy, which begins on the Feast of the Immaculate Conception, 8th December 2015, Our Lady s Shrine invites all men and women to conversion of heart through prayer, study, generosity and evangelisation. I invite you to assist us through your prayers and penances to help in the renewal of the Shrine. With my blessing and prayers, 03 Bishop Alan Hopes of East Anglia said: I am delighted that Mgr John Armitage has accepted the appointment to be the new Rector of the Shrine of Our Lady at Walsingham. He has been coming to Walsingham since 1976 and has a deep devotion to and love for Our Lady and her shrine. He will bring to this responsibility a huge amount of pastoral and practical experience with a love for people and especially for the most deprived and vulnerable of our s oc iety. B uilding on h is predecessors work, I know that he will bring vision, enthusiasm and boundless energy to the task before him. Mgr John Armitage Rector Mgr John & the Missionaries of Charity with the 3 year plan for the Shrine
Events E v e n t s 04 In the closed season there was a flurry of activity at Elmham House as work went apace to increase the provision of en suite accommodation in response to requests from several pilgrims. I would like to pay tribute to our catering and housekeeping staff who worked up until eleven o clock at night decorating the rooms; this meant that the new rooms were ready for the first bookings on Good Friday and helped reduce the overall cost. The rooms look really lovely and are very comfortable. I was in conversation last week with a couple of pilgrims from Denmark and they commented how much they liked their room, the peace and quiet, and the cooked breakfast, something that tends not to be offered in Denmark. The Feast of the Annunciation saw a landmark in the history of the National Shrine, the installation of our new rector, Mgr John Armitage, by Bishop Alan Hopes. The ceremony was very impressive, with the chancellor of the diocese reading the bishop s charge to Mgr John. A lighter note was struck by Mgr John in his homily when he told us that Bishop Alan Williams had asked him into his office for a cup of tea and asked him if he would like to go to Walsingham. Mgr John thought he meant to collect something that Bishop Alan had forgotten. No, replied the bishop, as rector! We are all delighted that he accepted. The first large pilgrimage of the year was on Palm Sunday when over a thousand members of the Filipino Community travelled to Walsingham, one coach from as far as Bristol! As usual they processed with their tableaux of scenes from Holy Week down to the Shrine, but sadly in persistent rain. On arrival the heavens opened and a gale blew, worthy of the weather at the Mass celebrated by Pope Francis at Taclaban in the Philippines. We should have had Mass outside but somehow most of us managed to squeeze into the Chapel of Reconciliation but it was literally standing room only and little chance to kneel at the incarnatus. Their priest had been asked by a fellow Jesuit that morning what was the nature of Filipino Catholicism? He had replied: Festive rather than reflective, visual rather than auditory. It is to the great credit of these pilgrims that they remained festive in such bad conditions and there was a special sense of celebration at the Mass.
Events churches. Bishop Hopes said that Mary could be a focus of unity amongst the churches and referred to Charles Wesley s devotion to Mary. Wesley wrote to a catholic friend at a time when to practise the faith was still illegal: if we cannot as yet think alike in all things, at least we may love alike. The Easter Triduum was celebrated with solemnity and then joy. Student Cross arrived with their crosses on the afternoon of Good Friday and kept the vigil on Easter Saturday. This year Mgr John welcomed some seminarians from the USA who served at Mass and generally helped. I have never seen such tall servers. (They told me they were basketball players!) I am glad to say that we have had several resident pilgrim groups at Elmham House already and it is good to see friends meeting each other and sharing memories, news and views. We will have the first major pilgrimage, the Diocese of Salford, on the first Saturday of May and the first Tamil pilgrimage on the Sunday. As the coaches come down the lane I will know that we are well into the pilgrimage season, as pilgrims return to England s Nazareth in their hundreds and thousands. If you have any questions about any pilgrimages please do not hesitate to contact me. Our website www.walsingham.org.uk/ romancatholic has details of our weekly programme (one week in advance) and the whole Pilgrimage Calendar. 05 Julian Foord Pilgrimage Coordinator The Divine Mercy novena was prayed, beginning on Good Friday as preparation for Divine Mercy Sunday when, after Mass, a programme of devotions and talks were led by Mgr John; it was good to see this day reinstated as part of the yearly programme. In March there was the pilgrimage of the Ecumenical Marian Pilgrimage Trust and Bishop Hopes presided and preached at the catholic Mass attended by representatives of the Orthodox, Melkite, Anglican and Methodist
Calendar 2015... M ay J U N E 24 TUE 26 31 6 7 FRI 12 13 20 21 WED 24 27 28 Solemnity of Pentecost & Diocese of East Anglia Adult Confirmation Mass East Anglian Children's Pilgrimage Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity & "A Day with Mary" Pilgrimage National Divine Mercy Pilgrimage Solemnity of the Body and Blood of Christ Solemnity of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus Feast of the Immaculate Heart of Mary & Diocese of Northampton Vocations Pilgrimage Diocese of Nottingham Solemnity of the Birth of St John the Baptist Ordinariate of Our Lady of Walsingham Pilgrimage Solemnity of SS Peter and Paul & Caribbean Pilgrimage J U LY AU G U S T 4 5 MON 6 TUE 7 11 12 18 19 26 1 2 MON 3 THU 6 Marist Pilgrimage SVP Pilgrimage for the Sick Evening Service for UCM Pilgrimage Union of Catholic Mothers' Pilgrimage 11:30 Mass Carmelite Pilgrimage Tamil Two Pilgrimage No 12 noon Mass in English at the Shrine. It will be celebrated in the Church of the Annunciation in the village Diocese of Hallam Syro-Malabar Pilgrimage Grandparents Pilgrimage St Patrick's Missionary Society Leicester Syro-Malabar Pilgrimage New Dawn Conference Monday 3rd Saturday 8th Feast of the Transfiguration of the Lord 06
AU G U S T S E P T E M B E R Calendar 2015... 15 16 THU 27 30 MON 31 6 TUE 8 FRI 11 12 13 20 THU 24 26 Ecumenical Vigil Procession through the village Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Youth 2000 Thursday 27th Bank Holiday Monday 31st Latin Mass Society Our Lady, Queen of Peace, Pilgrimage Bank Holiday Monday The Dowry of Mary Pilgrimage The Birthday of the Blessed Virgin Mary Order of Malta Pilgrimage arrives Most Holy Name of Mary Order of Malta Pilgrimage for the Sick Syro-Malankaran Pilgrimage Solemnity of Our Lady of Walsingham Diocese of Leeds & Faith and Light Pilgrimage O C T O B E R N OV E M B E R D E C E M B E R 3 WED 7 10 31 1 MON 2 TUE 3 FRI 6 8 22 TUE 8 13 TUE 24 Jesus Youth UK Our Lady of the Rosary Polish Pilgrimage Diocese of Middlesbrough Sat 31st October / Sun 1st November Solemnity of All Saints Commemoration of All Souls Walsingham Association Members' Retreat Tue 3rd November - Fri 6th November Walsingham Association AGM Weekend Fri 6th November - Sun 8th November Remembrance Sunday 11am Remembrance Day service at the Walsingham War Memorial 12 noon Mass Solemnity of Christ the King Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception Beginning of the Holy Year of Mercy Advent Carol Service 3pm Solemnity Of The Nativity Of Our Lord 8.30 pm Vigil and Blessing of the Crib, followed by Solemn Mass 27 Pro-life Pilgrimage 27 Feast of the Holy Family 07
Walsingham Association under normal circumstances goes on to be chairman, there would be a total term of four years served, previously six years. It was felt that with all the commitments that many members have, often including looking after grandchildren, this is more reasonable, and the amendment was passed by a large majority. 08 Wa l s i n g h a m As s o c i at i o n Dear Member, I am writing this on a lovely sunny afternoon towards the end of April. I heard that it is a particularly good year for cherry blossom and that is certainly true in North Norfolk, also with some lovely magnolias and camellias out and I even saw a japonica in bloom at the Anglican Shrine, admittedly in a walled garden. Chaucer described April as the cruellest month as there can still be hard frosts and those poor blossoms will suffer so I have my fingers crossed. However there is a feeling of optimism and growth and I hope that the winter has not been too harsh a time for you. Just before our accommodation opened we had the Spring Meeting for members and this year there was an extraordinary general meeting at which an amendment to the guidelines for the Association was discussed and put to the vote. The amendment was that the terms of office for all members of the National Executive should be reduced to two years, though for those standing to be Vice Chairman who, If you would be interested in joining the Executive Committee and would like an informal chat, do please give me a ring or email me. The committee do a very important job as well as having some fun and becoming good friends. There are three Committee meetings a year as well as the Spring Meeting and AGM weekend and travel expenses are paid. Branch and individual members are most welcome to stand. Nominations are due to me at the Association Office by Saturday 26 th September. In the afternoon, our new rector led an inspiring question and answer session where he shared his vision for the future of the National Shrine with us. There was a tangible sense of excitement in the room as he spoke and the Association looks forward to sharing in this vision. Then, as usual, we enjoyed a really magnificent Gala Supper where conversation flowed. I had the great fortune to sit next to Fr Augustine Hoey OSB, who was telling me about his first visit to Walsingham in 1933. The Slipper Chapel had not yet been declared the National Shrine and at the Anglican Shrine, only the Holy House had been built, not yet the shrine church around it. I felt very much a new boy: my first visit to Walsingham was in 1976, forty years later!
Walsingham Association A few other points and reminders: Retreat: There are already twenty members signed up for the retreat, Tuesday 3rd to Friday 6th November, led by our rector, Mgr John Armitage. If you would like to come just contact this office, by phone if that is easier. You are most welcome to bring a guest who is not a member of the Association. AGM Weekend: If you would like to come to the AGM weekend Friday 6th to Sunday 8th November and have filed the booking form which was in the March Members newsletter too carefully!, just contact me and I can send you another. As it will be Mgr John s first AGM weekend and dinner I am very keen that we are well represented to welcome him. If you have never been and would like to get a flavour of the retreat and the AGM weekend see Bryony Foley s article in this newsletter (page 10). Gifting Membership: Do remember it is possible to Gift membership of the Association to another to mark a special occasion or simply to say thanks - just contact this office for a form. Subscriptions and Donations: The now notso-new system of Membership Records and payments for individual members seems to be working well and any teething problems ironed out (how is that for a mixed metaphor?!). I am most grateful to those members who contacted me with suggestions for improvements. I am also most grateful for all those who have given donations. At all levels these really do make a difference. I do ask for your understanding that not all donations can be acknowledged and I ask you to accept this as a personal thank you. National Draw: All members should have received two books of Draw tickets; thank you for supporting the Draw and to all those who have made a donation on top of the ticket price; also a very big thank you to the branches that support these sales. Last year the proceeds of the Draw went towards the upgrading of the lounges in Elmham House. If ever I can be of any help or you have any suggestions about the Association or this newsletter, please do not hesitate to contact me. It is always good to hear from you. With my very best wishes and prayers from Walsingham; may Our Lady of Walsingham keep you in her care. 09 Julian Foord National Secretary
Association Retreat and AGM Association Retreat and AGM 10 Many members may be unaware of the nature of the annual retreat which is then followed by the AGM weekend. The retreat is a spiritual occasion but also a chance to meet old friends and new while there is so much more than a formal meeting involved at the AGM weekend: the Mass for departed members, lecture, annual dinner with lovely food and the excitement of the National Draw winners being drawn after the meal, and then, on the Sunday, ceremonies to mark Remembrance Day and Mass. Bryony Foley (Tyneside WA) came for the first time last year and shares her impressions with you. If you would like to come to either or both just contact me. Julian Bryony writes November 2014 brought me to join the Walsingham Association Retreat/AGM for the very first time. So here are a few first impressions for WA members who, for one reason or another, have not been to either: My journey by public transport from North-East of Newcastle upon Tyne had necessitated six changes! The outbound journey included a delay at Ely Railway Station, but the weather was fine and dry, and actually remained so all that week, which did help. I arrived in Walsingham on Tuesday 4 th November 2014, thankfully just in time for supper! Our WA 2014 Retreat was really wonderful. Held in the Dining Room of Elmham House, lectures were Ignation-styled, and given by parish priest of Sheringham and Cromer, Father Denys Lloyd, who has a teaching background. There were 33 of us in the end as sadly 5 people had to cancel. Some returned home on the Friday, before or after lunch served with a glass of wine, while some new people arrived on Friday for the AGM, which was on the Saturday. It was good to meet and talk to other members. A lady explained to me that the May, September and December newsletters are available for sale to all pilgrims, while the March issue is circulated just to Association members, something I had never realised. The AGM weekend began on the Friday after the conclusion of the Retreat. There was supper at 6.30pm then 8.00pm Mass, celebrated by Fr Wynn, sm. Julian read out the names of those members who had died during the last year. The AGM itself was on Saturday 8 th November in
Association Retreat and AGM Silence then preceded a really unforgettable mid-day Mass celebrated by Fr Wynn, in the Chapel of Reconciliation, which finished with I Vow to Thee My Country and The National Anthem. All in all, I learned more of what the Walsingham Association is about, and also enjoyed being in Walsingham during the quieter month of November. Our annual Tyneside Family Pilgrimage takes place each August, so it was also a treat to see green fields with sheep once more, instead of tents! 11 the High Street Parish Hall and I found it a stimulating meeting with some lively debate. It was all informative and interesting. That afternoon we were treated to a talk about Julian of Norwich by Pauline Lovelock of the Julian Centre in Norwich. Bishop Alan Hopes joined us on Saturday Evening for the lovely 2014 Annual Walsingham Association Dinner. On Remembrance Sunday we prayed a special Stations of the Cross for the hundredth anniversary of the start of World War One. The Two Minutes Anyway, I had a lovely week, made new friends, and encourage other members to consider joining the 2015 Annual Retreat/ AGM in November. Bryony Foley
North Staffs WA Pilgrimage North Staffordshire WA Pilgrimage to St Winefride s Holywell & Pantasaph 12 Pam Colclough, branch secretary describes a very successful pilgrimage: We stayed at St. Winefride s Guest House which is run by the Bridgettine Sisters who have their convent next door. It is a lovely place to stay and the sisters are most welcoming. Everyone was very pleased with their accommodation. All rooms are en suite, have a television (not that we had time to watch!) and phone and are kept lovely and warm very nice when you come in from the cold at this time of year. The food was beautifully cooked and although there is no choice everyone was very satisfied. At the end of our stay Father Booth asked if we would like to repeat the experience and there was a unanimous cry of Yes please! We intend to do the same thing next year but stay for two nights. We were blessed with good weather on both days which was good as we spent some time outside. At the well we first went into the museum where we learned about the life of St Winefride and the history of the well. We then had a service of blessing at the well with the relic of St Winefride which is where the photograph is taken. After a short break, we had Mass in the Sister s chapel followed by Exposition, Meditation and Benediction. There was Sung Evening Prayer which was sung beautifully by the Sisters although they are few in number. Everyone found the afternoon a very spiritual experience. After our evening meal we had had a quiz which had been devised by Mary Jervis husband. It was a great success! We had a raffle too, of course! The following day we had Mass with the sisters in their chapel at 7.30 am and after breakfast left for Pantasaph which is only a few miles away. Some got more lost than others along the country lanes but we all arrived safely eventually! It was a beautiful sunny morning although it was cold. We visited the church of St David and then made our way to the Rosary Walk where we said the Rosary as we made our way up the hill. It was so peaceful amongst the trees listening to the birds; once again, a very spiritual and uplifting experience. We visited the Padre Pio Garden on our way back to have refreshments before making our way home. The next day was Ash Wednesday and our mini pilgrimage proved to be a good preparation for us all.
P r a y e r s 13 Prayers Please pray for the souls of the following who have recently died. May they rest in peace. Amen Fr Joe Brennan Isabella Culley Miss V Downey Mr T Gray Mr J Holden Mrs C Ireland Mrs G Lumley Mrs M McCormack Mrs Margaret Mary Patten Miss F Poynter Mr R Shersby Mrs B Slarks, Mr C R Wilson
From the Archives 14 From the Archives Anne Milton, honorary archivist, has researched and written this article on the appointment of a new rector 80 years ago. 1935 was the year of major change for the Shrine. In 1934 there had been the large National Pilgrimage and the Slipper Chapel had been declared the National Shrine of Our Lady. In April 1935 George Hunt who had been custodian of the Slipper Chapel, living in the Slipper Chapel Cottage since 1901, retired. On his retirement he recalled that, when he was a boy, his father used to thresh corn in the building with a flail. He recalled the periods at which the chapel had been used as a barn and when it was converted into two cottages. In June 1935 Fr Bruno Scott James arrived with responsibility for the Shrine and Parish. He moved into the Slipper Chapel Cottage which he needed to furnish, as is seen by an Invoice from a shop in Fakenham - single mattresses @ 18 /6, 4 chairs 30/-, tables etc, and the most expensive item - a combination washstand costing 2 10/-. He was also busy organising for suitable 1935 80 years ago fixtures and fittings for an outdoor altar and canopy (referred to later). In 1935 organised pilgrimages started coming by coach, by foot and by train. The first report of pilgrimages was Thirty-four Roman Catholics from Clacton accompanied by a priest, they visited the Slipper Chapel at Houghton-in -the-dale before making a tour of Walsingham. The most historically interesting pilgrimage will be that which the Canon s Regular are to organise. This event will mark the first organised return of the Order which for several centuries occupied the ancient Walsingham Priory. The first of the larger pilgrimages will take place on Sunday, June 16th, and it will be that of the Shop Assistant s Guild. Then on July 14th the Westminster Federation Pilgrimage will include the Westminster Guild of Our Lady of Walsingham and the Children of Mary. Other pilgrimages will include one from Birmingham and one from the Nottingham Diocese. Girls from St Anne s Catholic School, Vauxhall, will also visit during the summer. The Austin Canon Pilgrimage on 30th June 1935 started an interesting tradition at their pilgrimage led by Abbot Smith CRL. They brought with them a large candle to burn at the Shrine until the following year. Rover Scouts carried the candle in a sling. In 1943 Father Bede Coulthard CRL wrote for the first time since 1935, I shall have to miss a visit to Walsingham. This parish however, will still send its customary candle for the Shrine. Alas, in line with all war economy, we cannot have one made this year of the usual 65% wax. It has to be 25%, and I hope it will burn just as well. Roughly a 23 pounder! We all look forward here to the day when we can come again on Pilgrimage to Walsingham. The Logbook for 1955 records On Rosary Sunday, the 21st Annual Candle was brought from Stroud Green (C.R.L.). This Parish - St Peter in Chains, Stroud Green still comes regularly to the Shrine on Pilgrimage. The first walking pilgrimage of modern times started from Palmer s Green on 7th July. Before we started, on July 6, his Grace the Archbishop of Westminster received us and blessed both ourselves and our pilgrim badges. Our party included a poet and an art student, a journalist or
From the Archives two, several business girls, two or three schoolboys, a worker from Covent Garden, a young, unemployed engineer's fitter, and, in addition to the priest who so bravely fed this little flock, a lady crippled with arthritis, to be wheeled in a chair as much of the distance as possible by her husband At each place we were cordially and generously received. We slept in turn in stables, inns, parishioners' houses, on the floors of a parish hall in one case, and of an army hut used as a church in another, and in a lorry drivers' hostel. The women of our party slept on such occasions in convents. On arrival at the Shrine First of all Mass and Holy Communion at the Slipper Chapel itself. It was our privilege to be shriven there, too, where so many pilgrims had been shriven formerly. Then in the afternoon there arrived the hundreds of pilgrims from London - how much they had missed in the brevity of their journey we alone could tell. The procession of the Blessed Sacrament followed, and then Benediction given from a beautiful field altar by the Bishop of Northampton, who afterwards personally blessed our invalid. And finally, linking up our start with our finish, there was read the gracious telegram from the Holy Father, sent in reply to our own, "gladly blessing the pilgrims from London to Walsingham"; thus enabling all who were present from London on that day to share in our humble achievement. The Catholic Times reported 700 pilgrims gathered at Walsingham, over 400 travelled from London by train and they were joined by some 300 others in Walsingham. The reporter commented It enables one to envisage the days in the not distant future when the peaceful lanes of Walsingham will once again witness a continuous influx of pilgrims from all parts of the land. On 26th August The Western Daily Press and Bristol Mirror reported Three parties of Roman Catholic Pilgrimages arrived yesterday at the Slipper Chapel, between Walsingham and Fakenham, Norfolk. One party of 60 came from London by train and two smaller companies by road from Peterborough and Great Yarmouth The year ended with receipt of a rescript from the Pope as reported in the Tablet of 21st December. In a rescript received this week, through the Archbishop of Westminster and the Bishop of Northampton, the Sovereign Pontiff crowns the efforts of Dr. Youens and thousands of the clergy and laity to restore world-devotion to Our Lady of Walsingham in the English village once famous throughout the whole Church. The Holy Father decrees that pilgrims to the restored shrine in the Slipper Chapel shall have rich indulgences for their devotion. To every pilgrim visiting the shrine he grants five hundred days on the usual conditions, and to those who come on the Feasts of the Annunciation or Assumption a plenary indulgence. Thus does His Holiness agree that the Shrine of Our Lady of Walsingham set up in the Slipper Chapel last year, in the presence of Cardinal Bourne and many thousands of Catholics shall be recognised as the true successor of the famous pre-reformation shrine which drew all Christendom to Walsingham Priory. 15