Diocesan pilgrimage to Walsingham
Most years the Diocese of Monmouth holds a retreat at the Shrine of our Lady of Walsingham. This year’s retreat was organised by a local deacon in the Rectorial Benefice of Ebbw Vale, and a friend of mine, Mrs Pam Griffiths. Having looked at the details of this Anglican Shrine on the Internet, my wife Caroline and I decided to go; but for me, it was more out of friendship to Pam than a burning desire to experience Walsingham. I was a reluctant pilgrim!
The Shrine, itself, is set within the pretty Norfolk town of Walsingham. The well-manicured Shrine gardens, with circuitous pathways, immediately suggest contemplation; but it wasn’t what was happening around me that was so important as what was to happen to me.
As a Low Church, former Free Church pastor, the high church, Anglo-catholic feel of the place was initially disturbing; but, as Stephen Burns (2006) suggests in his book Liturgy, our understanding of worship goes far beyond words in a prayer book, it is an action than involves our sight, smell, hearing, touch, taste and even our perceptions.
Morning prayer was held in the Barn Chapel, converted to provide the simplest of worship venues. In contrast, Eucharist was held, most days, in the highly ornate Shrine Church, with the odour of incense and burning candles hanging in the air. On Wednesday morning, we were privileged to celebrate Eucharist in the modern and lovingly tended Convent Chapel.
‘Morning Prayer’, ‘Eucharist’, ‘Healing and Reconciliation’ and ‘Benediction’: the names of the services were irrelevant. Putting aside our liturgical preferences we worshipped in unity and fellowshipped with love and laughter. If you couldn’t accept everything, you merely left fellow pilgrims to connect with God in their own way (that said, I remain a REFORMED catholic!).
And it was “in their own way” that the youth pilgrimage celebrated Benediction on the lawn of the Shrine gardens. Hundreds of young people filed onto the lawn; impeccably behaved and clearly enthusiastic, they proved – in their hundreds – that Christianity is as relevant to them as it has been to every other generation.
Finally, each day we were challenged and inspired by Bishop Dominic’s sermons on the Beatitudes, in many ways the ultimate experience that made me feel like those other believers who “devoted themselves to the Apostles’ teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer” [Acts 2:42].
What a privilege.
Nick Perry
More reflections on the pilgrimage to Walsingham:
Our pilgrimage was one of many facets. We benefited from the teaching of Bishop Dominic, which gave many of us food for thought, our own worship and joining in the services arranged by the shrine. We had space for quiet time and really enjoyed fellowship with fellow pilgrims.
One highlight was the Youth Benediction Service, a service held outside on a lovely evening, at a new altar set up in the gardens. There were a lot of young people there and the atmosphere was electric. We sang, Open our eyes Lord, we want to see Jesus, to reach out and touch him, and that’s exactly how it felt. We were privileged to witness and take part in a very special, touching service.
I think everybody, including Gabriel our youngest pilgrim, came back with special memories and the knowledge that they had met with God.
Cheryl Lewis (Ebbw Vale)
This year’s pilgrimage lived up to all my expectations, particularly since I didn’t think I would be able to go because of my husband’s illness, but thanks to God answering our prayer I was able to come.
Although I did not spend as much time alone with God as I had in previous years, I gained a great deal from the fellowship, services and especially the teachings of Bishop Dominic, which raised issues which are now being dealt with. This year I felt that we were one party rather than several small groups.
One of the highlights of the visit was the outdoor Youth Benediction Service, which was so amazing that I needed to just stand alone and drink in the wonderful experience of sharing with so many young Christians.
Pat Luke (Ebbw Vale)
After missing a year, it was lovely to back among familiar surroundings with old and new friends, including those who did not travel with us from Wales. The new look courtyard and building work reminded us that change is necessary to enhance pilgrim’s experience of Walsingham.
This year our pilgrimage coincided with the Youth Pilgrimage. To see so many young people worshiping in a circus tent with all the pomp of a high Anglican Mass, was amazing. The confession at the beginning brought a lump to your throat as it was performed with music and dance to the whole congregation on their knees. Then during the intercessions, we viewed situations that required our prayers including Archbishop Rowan. This was a moving time and the whole service will be one I will not forget.
Helen Millard (Ebbw Vale)