Walsingham: A Pilgrim's Journey

by Alexandra Shelton-Bourke

On Friday 10th June 2022, some young adults from Nottingham Diocese travelled down to Walsingham ahead of the Diocesan Pilgrimage on Saturday 11th June 2022! What a treat it was, with many faces; old and new!

We began the weekend with Mass followed by Evening Prayer at Dowry House chapel and then made our way to Elmham House for some dinner (fish and chips!) Once we were all filled to the brim with fish and chips, we then made our way back to Dowry House where one of the sisters, Sr Teresa, gave an inspirational talk on Our Lady of Walsingham and her own testimony! The young adults got to ask questions about Walsingham and vocations which was so fruitful! We then had an opportunity to spend time with Our Lord during adoration in the Dowry House Chapel: a well-needed evening with Jesus We finished our evening with night prayer with the Sisters in the Community of Our Lady of Walsingham and then off to the local pub we went; such fellowship and fun!

Saturday brought sunshine and laughter as we started off our day with a yummy cooked English breakfast: baked beans and bacon, sizzling sausages and toast! Next on our agenda was morning prayer in the Dowry House Chapel with the Sisters, with the sunshine seeping through the Chapel window This transitioned into Praise and Worship led by talented young adults: James Morris and Charles Archer. The entire Chapel erupted with praise for Jesus, along with an opportunity to receive reconciliation in the beautiful convent gardens

The young adults made their way to the Catholic shrine ready for the arrival of the pilgrims from Nottingham Diocese Coaches arrived ready for Holy Mass with Bishop Patrick at 12 noon in the Basilica of Our Lady of Walsingham which was full to the brim with both religious and lay people! Wow, what a sight! Two of the young adults said the bidding prayers during Mass: James Morris and Naomi Roberts. Such an inspiration to see.

Once Mass had ended, the young adults had a picnic lunch on the Catholic Shrine grounds The sun beaming down on us (sun cream was essential!) The young adults had an opportunity to talk with Bishop Patrick about the pilgrimage and what we got up to on the Friday before! They told Bishop Patrick about the time they had spent on Friday getting to know one another and spending time in each other’s company; how incredible it is to meet other young Catholics journeying towards God and holiness!

At 300pm, the young adults took part in the Marian Holy Mile Procession to the ruins of Walsingham Abbey alongside the pilgrims that joined them Saturday morning! Seeing everyone singing, dancing, and praying all together was so inspiring! Some of the young adult group walked the Holy Mile barefoot! The procession came to an end on the Walsingham Abbey grounds where all pilgrims said the Benediction in the sun!

All the young adults congregated and walked back to Elmham House to collect our bags and depart Those who didn’t have to rush back to Nottingham went with Cromer (the seaside) with Father Liam, after walking along the seafront, the young adults had fish and chips (wow, two days in a row!). This concluded the young adults' Walsingham retreat until next year!

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When?

Friday 16th - Sunday 18th June

Cost?

£150 including full board and accommodation

Formoreinformationandto bookyourplaceplease clickhere or email adultformation@dioceseofnottinghamuk