Walsingham

My dear Friends

Walsingham is a beautiful spot tucked away in the Norfolk countryside and has been a place of pilgrimage for hundreds of years. It is dedicated to the Virgin Mary and you can really feel her presence when you are there.

I travelled by coach there last Sunday, with the SVP-the sick and the disabled- who make a pilgrimage every year. We bowled along in the hot sun until we reached the Catholic shrine, called the Chapel of Reconciliation, in the shape of a Norfolk barn. We were scheduled to have mass in the open air at 1.30.

Having two hours to spare,, I embarked along the Holy Mile, by a stream, to wend my way into the village of Walsingham itself, intending to find my old friend who is a nun, a Little Sister of Jesus. She lives in a little house with 2 other Sisters on the edge of the villlage. I duly found her and had a spot of lunch with her while we caught up on the latest news. It had been a long walk to her house, but I rested a little inside.

After our meetin, I steeled myself for the long walk back but was fortunate enough to hitch a ride with a local priest going to the Mass. And the Mass itself was lovely, containg a part where the sick (and anyone who wanted to ) could be anointed and receive the peace of Christ. I am alwasy very amused when umbrellas are held over the head of the priests giving out communion to shield them from the sun! And our bishop Michael celebrated the Mass, although he himself is suffering from cancer.

Afterwards there was another hour to wait before Benediction, a blessing over the holy sacrament with hyms and prayers. so I went into the little cafe and had another bite to eat before the final ceremonies. I met many nice people who had come from all over the country to attend the day.

After the Benediction we made our way by coach back to Cambridge and I chatted to Malcolm one of the parishioners and a talented amateur actor, so I had good company on the way home.

A very pleasant day!
Shalom from
Sister Gila