On Saturday 10th June Bishop Philip Moger and Fr Michael Branch, our Cathedral Dean, will lead a Diocesan and Cathedral Parish pilgrimage to the ancient Shrine of Our Lady of Walsingham, to which all are invited.
Walsingham, in north Norfolk, has been a place of pilgrimage since medieval times, when travel to Rome and Compostella was virtually impossible. The original Shrine of Our Lady of Walsingham, founded in 1061, was destroyed at the Reformation. Many barren years passed until the Slipper Chapel, a 14th-century wayside pilgrim chapel, was restored and pilgrimage to Walsingham began once more. In 1934, the English Bishops named the Slipper Chapel the Catholic National Shrine of Our Lady. Many thousands of people have visited the Shrine - some come out of a spiritual need for the atmosphere of peace that seems to emanate from the Chapels, some for aesthetic reasons, whilst others merely stumble across it, nestled away in this secluded Norfolk valley.
On 10th June, the date on which Archbishop Wilson was appointed to serve Southwark in 2019, we will collectively come as a Diocese and Cathedral Parish on pilgrimage to this ancient shrine to honour Our Lady. The Pilgrimage will be lead by our auxiliary Bishop Philip Moger, alongside the Cathedral Dean, Fr Michael Branch. We encourage both young and old to bring personal petitions, but also those of our family, friends, fellow parishioners, neighbours and people with whom we work. Whether we think our faith is strong at this time, weak, or somewhere in-between, Walsingham is for us. Like Mary, we are called to follow her son and to trust him in everything.
Please do join us for this pilgrimage: all are welcome and booking / itinerary details are below.
Cost and Booking
Price per adult £28
Price per child £20
The price includes transportation with onboard refreshments and an evening meal at The Palace Bingo in Great Yarmouth.
To book the pilgrimage please visit tinyurl.com/walsinghamjune
If you are unable to book online, please call St George's Cathedral Office on weekdays between 9 am to 5 pm: 020 7928 5256
Pilgrimage Itinerary
Date: Saturday 10 June 2023
7.00 am - Depart St George’s Cathedral 9.30 am - Arrive Walsingham Village 10.15 am - Walk the Holy Mile (or bus for those less able) 11.00 am - Confessions. Shrine Gift Shop, Shrine Tea Room 12 noon - Pilgrim Mass, joining the Diocese of Northampton celebrated by Bishop David Oakley and Bishop Philip Moger]
1.15 pm - Picnic / tea shop lunch (please bring your own lunch)
2.45 pm - Depart for Great Yarmouth 4.15 pm - Arrive Great Yarmouth Sea Front 5.20 pm - Arrive Bingo Club for main meal and tea or coffee 6.15 pm - Cash pot bingo game 6.30 pm - Leave Bingo Club 9.30 pm - Arrive St George’s Cathedral
Prayer
May the shadow of the Spirit protect you from evil and the power of darkness. May the breath of the Spirit enter into you and give you peace and harmony. May the wings of the Spirit uplift you so you may glimpse the glory of God. May the power of the Spirit ennoble you and show you the beauty of life. May the Spirit of the Father and the Son make you their disciple. May you walk with the friendship of Jesus and Mary all the days of your life. Amen.