Walsingham 2012 was a peaceful, contemplative, and joyful time together. St Chrysostom’s Parish joined with St Peter’s, Oughtrington to visit the Shrine of Our Lady of Walsingham in Norfolk where much fun was had amidst time for prayer and reflection.
This year, we visited during Assumption week, allowing the pilgrims to enjoy an ecumenical candlelight procession and Assumption Eve fireworks. In the end, Mary’s example of living out her vocation to the fullest, her Yes to God, and understanding of Christ’s transformative power inspired the pilgrims to return to their own lives with enthusiasm.
Experiences from this year’s pilgrimage:
– Suspenseful giant Jenga
– A visit to peaceful Binham Priory
– A haunting candle light procession through Little Walsingham
– Spectacular Assumption Eve fireworks
– The technological feat of praying the rosary with St Chrysostom’s via Skype
– A meditative holy hour at the Roman Catholic Parish of the Annunciation
– A moving Sprinkling at the Well followed by ministries of healing and reconciliation
– Ice cream, fun, and wading in the sea at Cromer
Some comments from pilgrims:
‘I’ve been coming for ten years; I always find it relaxing and enjoy the beautiful garden.’
‘Walsingham is a good balance between the spiritual and the secular. It’s in a beautiful rural setting, and one enjoys splendid companionship. And if you have any reservations about the forms of worship, you’d be more than pleasantly surprised to find that they are congenial to all tastes. Remarkable camaraderie between the two parishes existed this time. Overall, it is remarkably good value for the money.’
‘It’s good bonding time for my daughter and I. It’s also spiritual and allows me to recharge my batteries. You get good value for money, and it’s a nice place for families to visit. The experience of the Assumption was special… We enjoy it each year we go.’
‘I like the peace and quietness. You relax more here because you’re in the countryside and at the shrine. I have fun hanging out with my mum; it brings us closer together.’
‘It’s very relaxing, peaceful, and stress free, and if you want to come and have time out from your busy lifestyle, you need to come on such a holiday. People are very friendly, and you can eat as much as you want. I came once, and I’ve come every year because I love it so much. This is my fifth time.’
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