Lois (Front) with the St. Wilfrid's Pilgrims

When I first announced at the Bible Study Group that I was going to Walsingham it was greeted with amazement. I went with a very open mind with intentions to enjoy this experience.

The setting for Walsingham is lovely, with all the buildings enclosed in a circle – the accommodation on one side of a slope going down to the ‘Shrine’ in all its glory with the Stations of the Cross sympathetically placed along the many curved paths in the center.

I enjoyed meeting the members of the different churches attending, constantly saying ‘I’m a low Anglican’ and some jokingly saying ‘what are you doing here’. The monks and lay members of the community are wonderful and the services are so well presented with a message for all. ‘Love’ is at the heart of it all.

We were given a booklet to follow all the services – we had our own group services and then joined with all the pilgrims with some very awesome, inspiring services led by the monks. The candlelight procession Wednesday evening was just more than wonderful with the lanterns and singing as we processed around the grounds. Every service was just as splendid.

It is hard to describe the experience – one needs to go on a pilgrimage there and come away feeling so refreshed. This area of Norfolk is very interesting and full of ancient churches. On one of my walks I came upon the small Orthodox chapel in the late afternoon and quietly listened to a young lady chanting her evening prayers. I was hoping she would finish and we would have a chat but with dark drawing in sadly I had to leave.

We made our final prayers in the Holy House chapel in the Shrine Church on the Thursday evening. During the time at Walsingham I enjoyed being able to do my own thing and also join in with the awe-inspiring services – the time was too short.

After our morning prayers on the following Monday at St Mary’s Hospital where I live, I told our Custos how much I enjoyed Walsingham. He replied ‘Have you gone over to Rome? Are you still an Anglican?’ and I, with a smile, said ‘Yes, I am an Anglican’.  

Lois Brown

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Pictures taken by Malcolm Vernone

Sunrise at the Shrine	Shrine Church & Gardens	The Pilgrims Way
Holy House Altar	The Holy House	Shrine Church Altar