Westminster Record
November 2017 | 20p
Anti-Slavery Day Award for Manager of Caritas Bakhita House
Annual Report & Accounts 2016
Catholic Woman of the Year
Page 2
Pages 11 & 14
Page 21
Lift up the lowly The theme of this year’s pilgrimage to Walsingham, which took place on 7th October, was ‘Lift up the Lowly’. Over 800 of the faithful from across the diocese joined the one-day pilgrimage. The theme was chosen to help us focus our reflection on the first World Day of the Poor, taking place on 19th November, which was announced by Pope Francis in 2016. (See page 19 for an abridged version of his message.) The pilgrimage began with a long journey from London, with parish and deanery groups arriving in coaches. Pilgrims were welcomed to Walsingham with cloudy skies and refreshing cups of tea. Before Mass pilgrims were had time to walk around the Shrine and visit the Slipper Chapel. Priests were also on hand to hear confession. This time of pause and reflection gave us more time to ponder closely on the theme of lifting up the lowly. Mass began at noon, celebrated by Cardinal Vincent, Bishop John Wilson, and priests from across the diocese who had come with their parishes. Before Mass began Mgr John Armitage, Rector of the Shrine, assured the pilgrims that it wasn’t going to rain, and it was safe to sit outside. Fortunately, he was right and the rain held off throughout Mass.
After Mass was lunch, and pilgrims were invited to use the new Pilgrim Hall and eat their lunch undercover. The Pilgrim Hall is part of the continuing development of the Shrine, and provides welcome shelter from the English weather! After lunch we gathered to begin our procession down the Holy Mile toward the site of the grounds of the oncemagnificent Walsingham Abbey. The statue of Our Lady of Walsingham led the procession, and Fr Chris Vipers, Director of the Pilgrimage, began the Rosary as we left the Shrine. The route proceeds along the old railway track, with fields on either side. Before we reached the Abbey the procession wound its way past the many shops dedicated to religious paraphernalia and some residences. The Cardinal noted that we had gathered an audience of onlookers in upstairs windows. During the procession it had begun to drizzle, but nonetheless the faithful took to their knees for Benediction, given by Bishop John. A beautiful liturgy with the back drop of the ruins of the Abbey. After Benediction, it was back to the coaches which thankfully had come to meet us to take us back to London, filled with the love of Mary, Our Mother. Our Lady of Walsingham, pray for us
He brings down the mighty from their thrones and raises the lowly.