Walsingham Pilgrimage

Founded by the Lady Richeldis in 1061, destroyed by Henry VIII in 1061, restored by the Vicar of Walsingham – Father Hope Patten—in 1922, the Shrine has had an eventful history across nearly 1,000 years.

This medieval place of pilgrimage, which once rivalled Canterbury as a destination, was visited by thousands of pilgrims from all across Britain and Europe. It became known as ‘England’s Nazareth’ because of the vision given by God to the Lady Richeldis to build a replica of the Holy House in Nazareth in which Jesus lived, cared for by Mary and Joseph.

At the heart of the Shrine is the Holy House containing a statue of the Blessed Virgin Mary, holding her Son Jesus Christ and pointing to him as she shows him to the world. One of Our Lady’s titles is ‘Mother of the Church’ and pilgrims come to find inspiration and guidance through her example. She trusted completely in God, and her faith in Him never failed. Because of her joyful and sorrowful experiences as the Mother of Jesus, she understands everything we feel.  So this is a place where Mary’s ‘Yes to God’ is celebrated and where we are  invited to open our hearts to God and respond to Him in love and faith and say: ’Hail, Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with you…’

If you would like to join this year’s pilgrimage, contact our Parish Administrator: parishoffice@sloanechurch.org