THE P RTAL
January 2017 Page 13
“ We will be seeking to provide visitors with more opportunities to understand the story and message of Walsingham and the relevance of Our Lady in their lives . We want to increase the opportunities for prayer , for Eucharistic Adoration , for visiting the site of the original Holy House in the Abbey Grounds , for taking time for silent reflection , as well as offering talks and social events for visitors and the local community .
“ Aside from this , a key aspect of our offering will be to equip pilgrims for their onward spiritual journey beyond Walsingham - for their lifelong pilgrimage to meet Our Maker - offering suggestions on how they might grow in their personal relationship with Our Lady and with God , how to find healing , where to find sound answers to questions related to the faith , and what it means to live our lives as authentic witnesses to the Gospel .”
There are some new ventures at Walsingham . We asked about the Dowry House . Zyg replied , “ Dowry House is a new retreat centre in the heart of Walsingham in the historic Sue Ryder building which many who have come to Walsingham over the years will be familiar with . Whether you come alone or as part of a group , the retreat house offers an opportunity for individually guided or for group retreats . The full programme is under development , but within the offering there will be a variety of events and activities including a rolling formation programme for young people , marriage enrichment weekends , retreats for men , retreats for women , a summer school studying the works of St Thomas Aquinas and opportunities to delve into Scripture and of course your own Ordinariate Retreat for Lay People in March . We are fortunate to have the Sisters of the Community of Our Lady of Walsingham who are running the facility on behalf of the Shrine .
“ At our village shop on the High Street , Ora et Labora , we continue to sell monastic produce . Our shop at the Shrine is undergoing a revamp over the winter break and you can expect new product lines in store for the next pilgrim season . An exciting development is the arrival of Youth 2000 in the village . Having for many years run festivals for young people in Walsingham , they have recently relocated their national headquarters and key staff to the village .
“ In terms of wider development of the Shrine site , there is a desire to enhance the Shrine ’ s infrastructure including the outside space and gardens . What we might do will be dependent on the success of the development appeal and obtaining the requisite planning approvals . Already in the Chapel of Reconciliation we have live streaming . Every mass
is available , live , through the Walsingham web site . Recordings can also be watched retrospectively .
“ For those who have been to the Shrine in recent months , they will have noticed a temporary structure which comprises the Welcome Centre and Pilgrim Hall . These provide much needed facilities for visitors and pilgrim groups where they can be welcomed , sheltered from the elements and in which talks and seminars will be offered .”
We brought up the subject of pilgrim accommodation . He told us , “ With the help of charitable grants and donations in response to the development appeal , we have started to upgrade rooms across the Elmham House complex . Further works will take place in the New Year and , funds permitting , later in the year at the end of the pilgrim season . These works have increased the number of en-suite and accessible rooms , which pilgrims have been asking for .
“ In terms of other initiatives , we want to make it easier for those wishing to organise group pilgrimages to Walsingham . Accordingly , in 2017 we will be launching a travel bureau to reduce the financial and logistical burden carried by those who bring groups to Walsingham . Further details of this service will be publicised in due course .”
Personal Ordinariate of Our Lady of Walsingham Under the Patronage of Blessed John Henry Newman
Pilgrimage to Walsingham
Saturday 24 th June 2017
Leader : The Right Revd Monsignor Keith Newton
11.40am Sprinkling in the Abbey Grounds (£ 2 entrance fee , see below )
Procession of reparation and reconciliation , during which THE ROSARY will be prayed
On arrival at the Basilica : CONFESSIONS in the Chapel of Reconciliation and time to pray at the Shrine of Our Lady of Walsingham in the Slipper Chapel
LUNCH – limited catering available or bring your own
3pm Sung Mass in the Ordinariate Rite in the Chapel of Reconciliation
Please Note : Sprinkling is in the Abbey Grounds , from which also the Procession will leave . There is an entrance fee of £ 2 .
To avoid delays on the gate this should be paid in advance , especially by groups .
Please send a cheque payable to “ Ordinariate OLW : Walsingham Pilgrimage 2017 ” to Jackie Reed , 24 Golden Square , London W1F 9JR
Our Lady of Walsingham pray for us