I am in the process of collecting intentions for the September pilgrimage to the Shrine of Our Lady of Walsingham. One of the marks of a good and effective pilgrimage is the prayerful connection that is made between the pilgrim and the life of the shrine centred on the grace of God as it is seen in the witness of our Lady.

Pilgrims are reminded on their visit of the annunciation of our Lord to Mary of Nazareth. The story is told once again of the visit of the archangel Gabriel to that little house, recreated so wonderfully within the Shrine Church, and of Mary’s curious, fearful, and yet faithful response. Those of us who travel to that sacred place do so for many reasons, not least to be reminded of the story and to be inspired by it. This is the point at which heaven and earth, human and divine are conjoined. We do so in the company of others as pilgrimage is a corporate, social act, but in contrast we also find ourselves granted space to rest in the peace and tranquillity which Walsingham offers. Both are a gift.

We may also seek healing and renewal for ourselves and others which is why a conscious effort to make an intention for the pilgrimage is beneficial. Those we leave behind may also ask for our prayers and we can, in charity, add theirs to our own. In part that is what I am doing now. When the intercessions are offered at the Shrine and when I light candles in the Holy House I offer all the prayers which have been asked of me and all the prayers which a parish priest offers for his people and parish. This prayer lies at the heart of the pilgrimage not least because I know that my prayers are joined with those of our Lady.

Pilgrimage highlights are the processions of the Blessed Sacrament and our Lady; benediction, the sprinkling with holy water from the well in the Shrine Church and the opportunity for confession, the laying on of hands and anointing with holy oil with prayer for healing. Stations of the Cross and Intercessions in the Holy House are also offered, with all these liturgies centred around the Pilgrim Mass on Wednesday at 12 noon, a special privilege this year as it falls on the feast of Our Lady of Walsingham.

If you wish to share any intentions with me please feel free to do so between now and 21st September. All intentions remain completely confidential. Please pray for me too as I lead the pilgrimage with those from St. Peter’s, Holy Cross (Marsh Farm, Luton) and St. Martin’s (Bedford).

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