Assumptiontide 2019 | Issue 164 The magazine of the Anglican Shrine of Our Lady of

Walsingham Festival at Westminster Abbey Page 10

National Pilgrimage The Walsingham Bible Associate Serving Book Review: Walsingham in the Armed Forces – Pilgrims & Pilgrimage Page 4 Page 6 Page 12 Page 17 The Administrator’s Letter

Henry III (six times). Edward I (thirteen times). Edward II (twice). Mary’s life and Then Edward III, Richard II, the Henry’s IV, V, VI, VII and finally, as we all know, Henry VIII. vocation perfectly mirror the values All these monarchs, often with their queens and royal children, came as pilgrims to Walsingham. It is an indication of the of the Gospel importance and fame of Our Lady’s Shrine before its destruction, taught by Jesus (tragically at royal hands), as well as of the influence of the Christian in the Beatitudes. faith in the lives of England’s rulers and in the history of our nation. Whenever we look Many of the monarchs who prayed in England’s Nazareth now at the beautiful lie in their royal tombs in Westminster Abbey, surrounding the Shrine of S. Edward the Confessor. As the Pilgrim Hymn reminds Image of Our Lady us, it was during Edward’s reign that the Shrine of Our Lady of of Walsingham, we Walsingham was founded. I dare to imagine that he and all those former royal pilgrims would have rejoiced to see two thousand see what the words present-day pilgrims gathered in the Abbey for the Walsingham of the Gospel mean. Festival last May and to hear the tremendous sound of their Ave’s being sung with such joy as the Image of was processed through the Nave. Maybe like many of us present on that occasion, they would have been amazed to see Our Lady of Walsingham enthroned on the very spot in the Sacrarium, before the High Altar, where every monarch since William the Conqueror has been crowned.

It was a truly wonderful day and we owe a debt of gratitude to the Dean and Chapter of Westminster for inviting the Shrine to share in such a memorable celebration of Our Lady at the heart of our nation.

Of course, we could not have known when the date for the Festival was fixed that there would be such political turmoil and uncertainty in our country and in the Palace of The Shrine of Our Lady Westminster, only a few yards away of Walsingham from the Abbey. The debate about The College Brexit and the divisions that have Walsingham Norfolk NR22 6EF

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Cover image Ian Stratton/Westminster Abbey

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become so stark and seemingly irresolvable over the past two The presence of Our Lady of Walsingham in Westminster was years have affected all of us and the future remains unknown. a powerful reminder that we are called to bear witness to Christ in the world and especially at this time in our nation. It was against this backdrop, together with much else that It pointed to the importance of the work of the Church in is a cause of fear and uncertainty in the world, that pilgrims being a living sign of God’s presence in our parishes and worshipped and prayed in Westminster. We prayed for our communities and the part we can play as pilgrims in that work. present Sovereign Queen Elizabeth, who so often speaks with humility and dignity about her Christian faith. We prayed Pilgrims come to Walsingham from all parts of our nation and for peace, for unity in the Church and in the world, for our experience in England’s Nazareth many graces and blessings. political leaders, for all who suffer injustice, for the poor, the When it comes to the Last Visit, every pilgrim is invited to downtrodden and for refugees. We prayed for victims of face the Holy House to give thanks and to ask for Our Lady’s violence and especially those affected by the rise of violent prayers as they return to their daily lives. The final words of crime on the streets of the city in which we were gathered. the prayer are, “Pray that God may give me the grace to do at home what you have taught me to do here”. There was nothing unusual about these intentions. Every church in every parish constantly pray for these things, and Such is the gentle but important challenge given to pilgrims. of course in Walsingham they are prayed for every day at To take the lessons learnt in the ‘School of Mary’ back home. Shrine Prayers. To try to live out more faithfully the teachings of Christ and the values of his Gospel. To be a sign in our churches of Yet there was something significant and deeply moving God’s presence in our parishes, praying daily for the needs about praying for them in that beautiful and historic Abbey of our communities, society and nation. To do at home what Church in Westminster, so close to the seat of worldly power. Mary teaches us to do in Walsingham. To do whatever her This was particularly so when as pilgrims we prayed in the Son tells us. presence of Our Lady of Walsingham. Above the High Altar in Westminster Abbey, near to where In her Magnificat Mary dared to sing of God, “scattering the the Image was honoured in May, are these words, “The proud hearted, casting down the mighty from their thrones kingdoms of this world have become the kingdom of our and raising the lowly”. Lord and of his Christ”.

Mary, the humble Virgin of Nazareth, was chosen by God May Our Lady of Walsingham, who reigns as Queen in the to be the Mother of his Divine Son. She is a true sign of the Kingdom of Heaven, pray for our land, our society and our Gospel. Mary’s life and vocation perfectly mirror the values of homes and continue to guide us in the way of blessedness, the Gospel taught by Jesus in the Beatitudes. Whenever we in the way of the Gospel, in the way of Christ her Son. look at the beautiful Image of Our Lady of Walsingham, we see what the words of the Gospel mean. We see those words Your friend and fellow pilgrim, “in the flesh”. For the Word itself is made flesh and humbly Fr Kevin Smith dwells among us in Jesus, Son of God and Son of Mary.

3 The Walsingham Review

An extract from the sermon given by The Most Revd and Rt Hon , Lord , Do whatever at the National Pilgrimage of the Shrine of Our Lady of Walsingham on Monday 27 May, 2019. he tells you In the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, Amen.

The National Pilgrimage 2019 The heart of our day is with the words of Mary, “do whatever he tells you”, a summary of the gospel that moves us from the watery drudgery of law to the joy and celebration of the Spirit. A pilgrimage is a joyful thing, where the journey itself is as important as the destination. Pilgrimage is full of surprises. Two years ago, I went on Photos: © Graham Howard what is pompously and grandly called ‘An Official Visit’ to the Holy Land and found I was on a Pilgrimage.

The pilgrimage reality was shown in the surprises: From the Orthodox priest in Gaza who each day would have to prepare himself for that day being his last; to the English Jewish woman who had come at the time of the formation of the State of Israel and from a hill full of stones been one of those There was much anticipation and visit to the Shrine, but his first to a who created a Kibbutz. Despite the speculation in the build-up to this National Pilgrimage. suffering and the battles and the loss year’s National Pilgrimage held, of family in Auschwitz, she still trusted as usual, on the late Spring Bank Rest assured. It was all rather in God; to others who unexpectedly Holiday. Good Heavens! Was that splendid. The bunting swung merrily spoke of Jesus Christ. With others, really the High Street for the first as the procession went past, the with God, with God through others, time for many years resplendent police band gave us a great selection who were strangers and became fellow in blue and gold bunting? Would of favourite tunes during the lunch pilgrims, the visit became a moment of it survive the rain and wind? And interval and outside The Bull Inn calling. And that is my prayer for today who were all those men and women once the afternoon’s events had for you. That it will be a moment of clutching silver items of plumbing? concluded. Fr Willis won his Chief calling to do whatever he tells you. Not a B&Q DIY Convention surely? Steward spurs with great distinction No, it’s the West Yorkshire Police – and the Archbishop preached to Band – complete with a Priest a highly-attentive congregation. His Associate Flugelhorn player! How presence with us in Walsingham for will Beau Brandie’s successor the day was very much appreciated. as Chief Steward, Fr Guy Willis, get on? After all, Canon Brandie was We had a few spots of rain on and first appointed in 1062 by Richeldis off throughout the day. However, as herself – as Philip joked last soon as the band struck up outside year when making a presentation. The Bull, the heavens opened. And amidst all this change and But nobody seemed to mind too excitement, let us not forget that much. The band ran for cover – but the Archbishop of Canterbury was promised to come back next year! the day’s preacher – making his third Fr Kevin is delighted.

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It is wonderful to see so many of you here today from such a wide Boys in blue – Come variety of places. You have travelled here, perhaps just this morning as blow up your horns! I did, or perhaps over several days. I have trodden the pilgrim path The National Pilgrimage this year who had played with the band for to Walsingham before, but this is was entertained by the West many years were transported to days my first time here at the National. Yorkshire Police Band, of which I am long past, when the band would play It may not feel like it when one is the Chaplain and Flugelhorn player. for both the service and afternoon trudging in the rain or has sore feet, There is something special about tea at the old style Commemoration but for centuries pilgrims have been listening to a brass band on Day at the Community of the active in their pilgrimage – making a beautiful hot, sunny afternoon. Resurrection, Mirfield. their journeys to Walsingham, It was a great day, even though the to Canterbury, to Rome, the heavens opened at about 4.00pm. Brass Bands are nothing new Compostela – more nearly to Most of the players were wet to the Catholic movement, experience the presence of God. through to their skin, but this didn’t especially in those areas where More people are on pilgrimage dampen their spirits; they all had an the was across Europe today than even utterly fantastic day. active. Often the colliery and mill in the Middle Ages. The road to owners would set up bands as a Compostela is crowded. The band is used to playing in many source of entertainment for their different Churches and settings, communities, and those bands still We had a pilgrim who started from which have included playing for the exist today. Canterbury with our wonderful Queen as she distributed Maundy Dean, Dean Robert, who sent him Money on her last visit to Wakefield, Like the colliery bands, our national off and said, ‘May I send you off to services of remembrance in Ypres police and fire bands are no longer with a blessing and a prayer for and Normandy, again attended by staffed by employees who are pilgrimage?’. And he said, ‘Well you many dignitaries and members of allowed to attend practices and can do what you like, I don’t believe international royalty. engagements in work time. They in God!’. So he sent him off with a are made up of a merry band of prayer, and the guy smiled politely. It was because of this that the volunteers who give their time to Dean Robert received a postcard invite to Walsingham, to England’s support their local forces. West from Rome about four months later Nazareth, to be part of the National Yorkshire Police band has as saying, ‘You prayed for me. I began Pilgrimage to the Shrine of Our members retired officers, chaplains, as a walker and an atheist, and I Lady of Walsingham, the Queen of the force solicitor, a PCSO, two ended as a pilgrim and a Christian’. Heaven, seemed so right! special constables, a regular officer This is what pilgrimage does. who is just retiring after 30 years’ When the members of the band service and a future officer who has So the beautiful passage from were asked if they were able to passed the selection process and is Isaiah, written to a people in slave give up their Bank Holiday leave waiting for a start date. We all come labour camps outside Babylon, to travel for a few hours to play from a variety of backgrounds, but speaks of the restoration of at Walsingham, they asked their one thing that unites us is the motto Israel, and of God rejoicing in his Chaplain what to expect. As I of the West Yorkshire Police as we people as a bridegroom rejoices described the day, the worship and are all “In the Public Service”. in his bride. That rejoicing is the hundreds of pilgrims who travel physical, and sensual, and full of from all corners of the UK, those The Revd Paul Cartwright PAHH promise and hope and abundantly overflowing with limitless pleasure. It is the result of God’s restoration of His people, His sovereign act of making them what they should be. It is an act that is public – it was then, it is now – before all the world, it is a vindication.

To read this sermon in full, please visit www.bit.ly/2ZOTa3x

Fr Paul Cartwright – back row of the band, third from left 5 The Walsingham Bible

ristine Rose-Beers – Senior Conservator at the Chester Beatty Library in Dublin – held an audience of Walsingham Partners spellbound last February at the Partnership Weekend when she spoke about The Walsingham Bible. Few present had heard of this bible before and Kristine’s illustrated talk left everyone amazed. We thought that this treasure deserved to be known more widely so offer this introduction.

Figure images: © The Trustees of the Chester Beatty Library, Dublin of the Chester Beatty Library, images: © The Trustees Figure The Walsingham Bible: A twelfth- When acquiring items for his collection, century manuscript treasure from Sir Alfred Chester Beatty (7 February Norfolk. The Walsingham Bible 1875 – 19 January 1968), was concerned (CBL W 022) is an impressive with quality and condition above all else. twelfth-century manuscript held in Each part of his collection was carefully the remarkable collections of the considered and collected, Beatty’s Chester Beatty in Dublin (figure 1). attention to quality ensuring that only the finest examples of the arts of the book will be found in each area of his Library. This is unquestionably true of the Walsingham Bible.

Beatty was given the Bible in January 1921 by his second wife, Edith. She had acquired the manuscript from the library of Thomas Philipps, one of the great manuscript collectors of the 19th century. The preceding centuries of the manuscript’s provenance can be traced through sales records and catalogues, and lead us back to one Henry Spelman, educated at the grammar school in Walsingham in the late 1500s. Where precisely the manuscript was before Spelman acquired it, or how it survived the dissolution of Walsingham priory in 1538, is not known.

Figure 2

6 Assumptiontide 2019 The Walsingham Bible

Figure 1

Comprised of 137 folios (274 pages) the preferred material – Both the York has been applied as a very thin layer of the manuscript may have been Gospels and the Winchester Bible are gold leaf alone with just a layer of size commissioned to mark the foundation primarily made of calfskin. to adhere it to the page. of Walsingham priory in 1153. It contains the first part of the Old The choice of this material seems likely Other precious materials were used Testament, from Genesis to Ruth, and to stem from two contributing factors. to illuminate ten, large initials in the was likely intended as the first volume Firstly, calfskin is strong and good to manuscript. These include vermillion of a Latin Vulgate Biblia Sacra set. write on. Its creamy-white, even surface or cinnabar – a mercuric sulphide – Sadly, there is no trace of the rest of ensures it holds ink and illumination imported from sources in Spain and the manuscript, so it is impossible to well. Secondly, cattle were seen as a Sinope on the black sea, the city confirm that the full four volume set symbol of both wealth and power in from which it gets its name; copper was ever realised. The text is written the Anglo-Saxon world, but one which green; red lead – orange to our eye; in the typical miniscule script of had been decimated by recurrent an organic yellow perhaps harvested the time, and the large scale of the bouts of pestilence. As such, it seems from local hedgerows; and most manuscript – the folios are around that the choice to use a material of surprisingly, ultramarine blue, made 47 x 33cm – is in keeping with the such rarity, excellence, and expense from the semi-precious stone Lapis sumptuous ‘Great’ bibles produced in in 12th century England, was a fitting lazuli, and imported from the mines of England at this date, such as those of reflection of the pious act of making a Badakhshan in Afghanistan (figure 2). the Chapter Library of Winchester or Great Bible. Corpus Christi in Dover. With the flourishing of the monasteries, The script of The Walsingham Bible the demand for artists soared in the Although the illumination of The is written in iron gall ink – a brownish 12th century, and lay scribes and Walsingham Bible is perhaps not toned ink produced with iron, acid illuminators are known to have travelled quite as extensive or luxurious as such as vinegar or lemon juice, and internationally to meet the demand in those more famous manuscripts, it the tannins derived from oak galls. for manuscripts. Without doubt, there is still remarkably fine. As a conservator, Unsurprisingly, this ink can be caustic, was plenty of work in Norfolk at this primarily concerned with the condition but it also offered a permanence date for illuminators, sculptors and and preservation of manuscript which was prized, flowing from the artisans from across the Norman world: material, this is a luxury, as it means scribe’s pen and oxidising on the the stone keep of Norwich Castle was that my only task is to ensure the page to form an insoluble link with already finished in 1110, whilst work on manuscript is safely housed in storage the parchment and an indelible Norwich cathedral was begun in 1096 and when on display, and that it is commitment to God’s word. and completed in 1145. protected from damaging factors such as excessive light, humidity – When the scribes’ work was finished, The Walsingham Bible is a remarkable or handling. precious metals were added to the example of 12th century manuscript pages. From the late 12th century production. Today, it is a migrant The Walsingham Bible’s folios are onwards, gold was usually applied manuscript, housed in Dublin some made of parchment, that is an over a clay-based ground or ‘bole,’ to 400 miles from its birthplace, but it is animal skin soaked in lye, scrapped, give it a thick and three-dimensional treasured and enjoyed just as it was and dried under tension to provide appearance which could be burnished when it was first made around 1153. a flexible substrate on which to to add to its lustre. However, in The write. Examination of contemporary Walsingham Bible, the use of gold is Kristine Rose-Beers ACR manuscripts by the University of York, reserved – probably due to the scarcity Senior Conservator, suggests that calfskin may have been of gold available at this time – and it Chester Beatty

7 The Walsingham Review YOUNG PILGRIMS

SCHOOLS CHILDREN’S PILGRIMAGE – LISTEN TO HIM! The summer term is always a busy The very popular Children’s Pilgrimage took time for the Schools Department, place during a very windy weekend with many schools choosing to in March. Around 200 children and visit us in the warmer weather. their adult leaders enjoyed a fun and worship-filled weekend, In particular we had a lovely visit exploring the miracles of Jesus. from Southview Community Primary We looked at the story of the School in Peterborough who had not visited the Shrine wedding at Cana in particular and before. The 50 children, who were 8-9 year olds, spent thought about how amazing things the day learning about pilgrimage, making their own are possible when we have faith in pilgrimage badge and they also met Sister Angela and Jesus and do what He tells us to do. learnt all about being a nun. We also spent a day with 5-7 year olds from Glebe House School who came for our new All of the children received a bookmark with ‘Easter Experience’ day, where they went on a journey the following prayer on it to take home: around the Shrine learning about the events of Holy Week. Almighty God, help us to be like Mary, We always enjoy receiving feedback from the many that we may listen to her Son, Jesus Christ, schools that visit us: so that he may transform our ordinary lives and make them speak of his miracles. ‘Myself, and the other members of staff who Amen. accompanied the children on this trip, were very impressed with the itinerary and the level of input and You can read a more detailed report and teaching given. You understood how to motivate and view photographs at www.bit.ly/2xjtjF0 encourage children of this age range, and all the children were fully engaged throughout the visit. We would definitely recommend a visit to the Shrine of Our Lady at Walsingham to other year groups and schools!’ Southview Community Primary School

‘This is a fantastic visit that I would recommend to any KS2 teachers. Pilgrimage is a very difficult topic to teach in the classroom and I really feel that this trip brings it to life for the children and helps them to understand it in a way that is very difficult to achieve otherwise.’ Avenue Junior School

‘We had a fantastic day. I have visited the site most years for about 19 years now. We always have a fantastic day. It is the highlight of my year.’ St Clements High School

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SUPPORT FOR YOUNG PILGRIMS WE PRAYED FOR The Shrine is able to provide activities for 100 AND 102 CAME! Young Pilgrims visiting with their parish or is able to come On Saturday 23rd March a wonderful Walsingham out and support churches in the development of Youth Day was held at S. Hugh’s Church, Eyre’s their children and young people. For further details Monsell, attracting young people from across the on our Pilgrimages or on how we can support your diocese and further afield – with some travelling from young pilgrims in exploring their faith, please visit our as far as Luton and Leeds. website www.walsinghamanglican.org.uk or contact Caroline Ward, our Schools and Young Pilgrims officer Over the six hours we were together, the young on [email protected] or 01328 824205. people – many with no or limited church background – enjoyed contemporary worship led by Jo Boyce and the CJM Band and a Bible Study which encouraged us to be like Mary in our everyday faith and to trust God when we have to make difficult decisions.

As well as wonderful food at lunchtime, there were also workshops and finally a Youth Mass in the style of the worship that takes place during the Walsingham Youth Pilgrimage. In the talk given at the Mass the young people were challenged to be everyday disciples for Jesus.

The day was led by Fr Philip Barnes (Guardian of the Shrine and Vicar of S. Stephen’s Church, Gloucester Road, London) and Clare Williams (Church Youth Worker and a regular member of the ministry team at the Youth Pilgrimage). We hope and pray that this Youth Day will have encouraged the young people to take their discipleship more seriously and to come on the Youth Pilgrimage at Walsingham in the summer – so that they may grow further in their faith during the days of prayer, FAMILIES PILGRIMAGE – FROM AGE worship and fellowship. TO AGE... Our next ‘new look’ Families Pilgrimage will take Fr Philip O’Reilly SSC place from Monday 21 to Friday 25 October, 2019. It promises to be an action-packed and prayerful pilgrimage to the Holy Family of England’s Nazareth. This year we will be exploring the role of different members of the family and what we can learn from each other. The Pilgrimage is a special time for all members of the family young or old!

For further details, please visit our website or contact [email protected]

If you or any families you know would like to attend, but have financial constraints then please do get in touch as we may be able to help cover some of the cost.

9 The Walsingham Review WESTMINSTER Festival of Our ABBEY Lady of Walsingham

Greater in honour than the cherubim – and glorious incomparably more than the seraphim; thou who inviolate didst bring forth God the Word – and art indeed the Mother of God: thee do we magnify.

From John Tavener’s setting of the Magnificat

10 Assumptiontide 2019 Photos: © Ian Stratton/Westminster Abbey Photos: © Ian Stratton/Westminster

Our Lady of Walsingham has in the Dean of Westminster, the Very Revd in the Abbey short liturgies of prayer past 20 years made many journeys John Hall. The Abbey Special Choir invited pilgrims to enter and participate; to cathedrals in England and Wales offered a fabulous setting of the and then move on to the next venue. as part of the Shrine’s Festival Mass by the Spanish Renaissance outreach programme – Liverpool composer Victoria plus a motet by Solemn Evensong at 5.00pm was and Chichester – Exeter and Bruckner whilst the organists gave notable for the glorious singing of York – Portsmouth and Llandaff – us a feast of Marian inspired pieces. the Abbey’s main choir – under the Rochester and Blackburn – Coventry The sermon at the Eucharist was direction of James O’Donnell, the and Lichfield. Next year she will given by the Rt Revd , Abbey’s Organist and Director of Music. be travelling even further north to and Master The outpouring of John Tavener’s Durham Cathedral. But hitherto her of the College of Guardians. Its Magnificat was hypnotically powerful. only appearances in London were hard-hitting content was greeted Tavener (1944-2013) is of course well- in 2000 at London Docklands and in with applause. Remarkably during known for such moving pieces of music 2005 to assist the Society of the Holy the administration of communion strongly influenced by Orthodoxy i.e. Cross (SCC) with its 150th anniversary – and prior to the choir singing The Protecting Veil and The Lamb. The celebration, “Stand Up for Jesus” the motet (Tota Pulchra es, Maria) preacher at Evensong was Archbishop held at the Royal Albert Hall. – the organist gave a deeply Rino Fisichella, President of the moving performance of a Bruckner Pontifical Council for the Promotion of However, Our Lady of Walsingham’s symphonic slow movement. the New Evangelisation. The Council absence from the capital was is responsible for Shrines all over the splendidly remedied on 4 May, Following an opportunity for world which are considered pivotal 2019 when – by kind invitation of pilgrims to visit the Shrines of to the work of evangelisation. So it the Dean of Westminster (The Very Our Lady of Pew and St Edward seemed that , Roman Revd John Hall) – nearly 2,000 Confessor, the assembled company Catholicism and Orthodoxy had come pilgrims from all over the country gathered in the Nave – and together to greet Our Lady. attended the Westminster Abbey anywhere a seat could be found Walsingham Festival. – to listen to a lecture by the eminent historian Professor Eamon It was a day of wonderful worship Duffy – Walsingham from Ruin to Further reading and devotion – formal and informal Restoration. With many entertaining – supported by a visiting preacher anecdotes, Professor Duffy traced The Bishop of Burnley’s sermon, and lecturer and enhanced by the the creation of both the Anglican Professor Eamon Duffy’s lecture beautiful music of the Abbey’s choirs and Roman Catholic Shrines in and Archbishop Fisichella’s and organists. Walsingham and their interaction. homily can all be accessed for reading from the Shrine’s website The Festival began at 11.00am with A Carousel of Prayer and Blessings at www.bit.ly/2xlZhQL Solemn Eucharist celebrated by the then took place – in various chapels

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You can pray with them sometimes – but pray for them always

An appreciation of the role of Priests Associate who are chaplains in the Armed Forces.

On 21 October, 1805, during the great sea battle off since 1793, shortly after leaving Cambridge and in 1804 joined Cape Trafalgar – at about two o’clock in the afternoon – Nelson on the Victory as his chaplain and secretary. Admiral Lord Nelson, aboard his flagship, HMS Victory, died from a stray musket shot wound. This perhaps Today we salute the continuing and vital work of the UK Armed remains one of the best known events in British history Forces Chaplains of whom a considerable number are Priests – familiar to all through Nelson’s Column in Trafalgar Associate of the Holy House of Our Lady of Walsingham. Square in London and Victory, herself, in Portsmouth. The service of an ordained chaplain in the military forces goes Nelson was taken below deck in an attempt to save his back a long time. The earliest naval chaplain appointed dates life. Surrounded by the ship’s doctors with Captain Hardy from the latter half of the sixteenth century. Individual army and his officers and midshipmen watching anxiously this regiments would appoint their own chaplains until in 1796, famous painting – The Death of Nelson by Arthur Devis when the Royal Army Chaplains’ Department was founded, – hangs at the National Maritime Museum at Greenwich. the allocation of ordained ministers was centralised. The Royal Navy Chaplaincy Service was established in 1869 – followed But one of the most prominent figures in the by the RAF Chaplains Branch in 1918. painting after Nelson himself is often forgotten and unacknowledged. The man on the left rubbing Nelson’s We asked chaplains from all three services who regularly visit chest to alleviate his pain is the ship’s chaplain, Walsingham on pilgrimage to give an insight into their work The Revd Alexander Scott. He had been a naval chaplain and the importance of the Shrine to them.

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FR Ashley Mitchell ROYAL AIR FORCE

I paid my first visit to Walsingham whilst I was an ordinand at Ridley Hall in Cambridge. I then served my title as Minor Canon of St Asaph Cathedral in North Wales, a post I thoroughly enjoyed. Towards the end of this time I was approached with a view to serving as a military chaplain. I thought that this might make an interesting second curacy? As it happens it has turned out to be an extended second curacy lasting 21 years.

During that time I have served on many operational and training bases throughout the UK and also on deployments to such places as Belize, the Balkans, Northern Ireland, the Middle East, Afghanistan, Italy (Libya), the Falkland Islands and most recently as chaplain to UK Service Personnel and their families across Europe and Turkey, a parish of 3.2 million square miles.

Each of these postings and deployments has been unique, but they have also had a common strand of presenting the gospel of Christ, his death and resurrection, within a pastoral context to young servicemen and women at their point of need.

I am often reminded of one of the most well- known First World War chaplains, Geoffrey Studdert “Woodbine Willie” Kennedy. He was a chaplain who was awarded the Military Cross after running into no man’s land to help wounded soldiers during an attack on the German frontline. He wrote this advice to the chaplains of his day – a message that stands true today:

Live with the men. Go everywhere they go... The more padres die doing Christ-like deeds, the better for the Church... Take a box of fags in your haversack and a great deal of love in your heart... You can pray with them sometimes, but pray for them always.

Especially since returning from Afghanistan in 2009 Walsingham has been an anchor to my faith and vocation. A place that continues to nurture my priesthood with a sense that Mary, my mother, is constantly there for me, praying for me, keeping me true and keeping me faithful.

Continues on the next page caret-right 13 The Walsingham Review

Fr Keith Robus ROYAL NAVY

It was on 5 November 1982, as I knelt in the Holy House before the Image, that I opened the letter that I had brought with me to this special place. The letter was from the Bishop of Rochester and contained the result of my recent Selection Conference and his decision to send me for training for the priesthood.

Having left parish ministry in 2009 to join as a Chaplain in the Royal Navy, it was in May 2012 that once again I found myself kneeling in the Holy House asking for Our Lady’s guidance and protection before going on an operational Going ashore at Port Umm Qasr in Iraq (007Action Bish) tour to Kabul in Afghanistan.

The dangers had been clearly spelt out and the pre- In the footsteps of Jesus, I, like all my fellow Military deployment training arduous. Earlier in the evening I had Chaplains, went out to our people to ‘be a friend and concelebrated the Mass with my brother priests. During advisor to all’ whom I met. We stand shoulder to shoulder that Mass I particularly took note of the setting of the Shrine with the men and women of the armed forces, facing Church; the altar, the sight of the Holy House with the the same conditions, dangers and hardships – and yet candles burning inside and out. I deliberately burnt the vision bringing with us the peace of Christ and the joy of the on my memory. When on deployment that vision of the Gospel. I am pleased to report that no UK personnel were Walsingham Mass came back to me every time I celebrated lost on my tour – and I thank God for the intercession of the Holy Mysteries. Whether it be in an old school, a Our Lady of Walsingham and of many other Christians for converted steel ISO container, in a field or in a tent – it was their prayers. the prayer and peace of the Shrine Church with the vision of the Holy House which transported me to another place. At the Priests’ and ’ Retreat earlier this year – having returned from Afghanistan – I once again gave This experience is rehearsed every time we leave thanks for many people from countless nations who knelt, Walsingham and return ‘from the mountain to the plain’ and prayed and received the sacraments of the church. get on with our daily life. I took the incarnational ministry of the Shrine with me to the sailors, soldiers and airmen and May Our Lady of Walsingham continue to pray for the women with whom I shared the dangers of Afghanistan. men and women of HM Armed Forces. Amen.

Leading prayers with Veterans of the Falkland Conflict (Falklands)

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FR Tom James ROYAL NAVY

They that go down to the sea in ships, that do business in great waters; these see the works of the LORD and his wonders in the deep. (Psalm 107)

Ordination is always a step into the unknown; none of us know when we kneel before our Bishop where responding to this calling will take us. Nevertheless, I really hadn’t imagined finding myself a few years later conducting a Nativity Service on the flight deck of a destroyer – somewhere off the coast of Oman. Going ashore at Port Umm Qasr in Iraq (007Action Bish) The life of a Naval Chaplain is not much changed from the description Fr Colin Stephenson (former Administrator of the Shrine and Master of the Guardians) gives of his WWII service in his book, Merrily On High! We chaplains have the joy and privilege of seeking to care for the spiritual and pastoral needs of the men and women who serve in the Royal Navy – providing them with the sacraments, regular Last February, as I have done almost every year since I Christian worship and a listening ear – and above all sharing was ordained, I made my way once more – along with with them in all their joys and challenges. several other Naval Chaplains – to Walsingham for the annual Priests’ and Deacons’ Retreat. For many of us It is a demanding calling with frequent moves and long the Holy House has become a vital place of stability periods away from family and friends, often alongside our in our otherwise itinerant lives. Here our Mother Mary people in potentially dangerous and stressful situations. In welcomes us time and time again into her home. Here in all of this the idea of home can frequently seem temporary this home we are renewed and encouraged in our faith, and uncertain. strengthened by the sacraments, before we once more go out to serve. We become used to packing our life into a couple of bags and setting off once more to join a ship. Space is tight, but At times we may not always be able to visit as often as within the packing I have always included a small statue of we would like, but, wherever this calling may take us, Our Lady of Walsingham – purchased on one of my first trips there is the hope and promise of a warm welcome when to the Shrine as an undergraduate. It is possibly one of the we make our journey to Walsingham to once more kneel most widely travelled of the Shrine Shop’s statues. It is a in the Holy House. constant reminder of the hope that we hold through Mary’s “Yes” to God and of England’s Nazareth – of home and the Our Lady of Walsingham, pray for us and all who go welcome Mary offers to pilgrims as she points us to her Son. down to the sea in ships.

Continues on the next page caret-right 15 The Walsingham Review

Fr Ben Archibald CHAPLAIN TO 1ST BATTALION THE

“Padre, can I talk to you about something?” This is a question that’s asked of me – usually by text – and mostly on a daily basis, and a question that invariably involves a

chat about decisions, life, family, faith, morals, killing, career, Splendours of Tallinn failures or expectations. Sometimes, a chat ends in prayer, but a simple chat is always an opportunity for a soldier – or an officer or spouse/partner – to feel relaxed and open, to Perhaps, most importantly, what I enjoy most is being able be taken seriously, and to be listened to in a non-judgmental to be the Padre to my people without the burdens that can way by a pastor who doesn’t sit in the chain of command, sometimes hinder a pastor when in a parish setting. I don’t nor carry any executive authority. And soldiers are intuitive, have to worry about a leaky roof, nor raising funds to pay for so I know that the majority of my 550 soldiers are aware that parts of a large Victorian building. Quite simply, I can simply chaplaincy can provide an oasis, a retreat from the huge ‘be’; be a priest for those in my care, to pray “sometimes demands and sacrifices that army life requires. This is what with them, but always for them”, and to walk alongside them excites and stimulates me in my vocation as a priest and as on that road that can often be bumpy, full of potholes and an army chaplain. with many diversions.

Now, of course, building trusting relationships is key in All of this, dovetailed with ministering in a military any sort of chaplaincy. This can be achieved in a variety of community whose average age is 26, means that my ministry ways. During the past 22 months that I’ve served with the is exciting and challenging, and never, ever boring. It’s battalion, I’ve had lots of opportunities to do just that. I’ve wonderful being able to wake up in the morning, say my enjoyed being deployed on an operational tour lasting eight prayers, and feel excited about what the day may bring, and months to Estonia on NATO’s eastern flank. The INTENT being supported by great colleagues who also have a zeal of this operation, named Op CABRIT, was clear: to deter for frontline ministry. a Russian incursion on the Baltic States, and to reassure the Estonian population of NATO’s resolve to protect their Constantly asking myself the question of where God is in all sovereign status under Article 5 of the Washington Treaty. of this, I had pinned to the wall of my bed space in Estonia This involved being part of a multi-capbadged battlegroup, the words of Lacordaire to remind oneself of my vocation and understanding perhaps more fully the workings and both as a baptised Christian, and my vocation as a priest – complexities that being part of an armoured battlegroup a priest and chaplain to all members of the battlegroup in ever brings. Sundays were, more-or-less, held in the camp’s barracks and in the field; in the cookhouse, officers’ mess, chapel where a committed number of the battlegroup’s and on PT; in the café and in church. faithful turned up Sunday-by-Sunday to worship the Father in the country’s only military chapel. Morning and Evening To live in the midst of the world Prayer were said in the chaplain’s private bed space which without wishing its pleasures; coupled as office space. Some of my church-goers managed To be a member of each family, to travel to Tallinn on a number of occasions to explore the yet belonging to none; magnificent buildings of worship of the many churches/ To share all suffering; cathedrals/chapels that represented the many Christian to penetrate all secrets; denominations in that place. In particular, time was had at To heal all wounds; one of the city’s most handsome of orthodox churches, and to go from men to God the picture printed shows us after having attended divine and offer Him their prayers; liturgy one Sunday morning. To return from God to men to being pardon and hope; Upon return to the UK, and before having a good two To have a heart of fire for Charity, months’ R&R, some of us managed to re-charge the batteries and a heart of bronze for Chastity. by spending a week in Walsingham. Having been dry for To teach and to pardon, eight months, the temptation to over indulge on the fruit console and bless always. of the vine proved true for some! We were most grateful to My God, what a life; regimental funds for contributing to some of these costs, and and it is yours, to the Chaplain-General for being so plentiful, also. O priest of Jesus Christ.

16 Meeting Her Majesty Assumptiontide 2019 Review

WALSINGHAM Pilgrims and Pilgrimage

Michael Rear 2011/2019 | Gracewing | 398 pages | Softback | ISBN: 987-0-85244-944-8

This lovely book is a must-read for all Pilgrimage here can be a significant been taken to Cathedrals around the who love Walsingham – and what is moment in people’s lives – an country. The enormous eager and there not to love?! This is a new and occasion for renewal of faith, an excited crowds who gather to welcome revised edition of Fr Rear’s definitive opportunity for repentance, an the Image in each place show the book, originally published in 2011 encounter with Jesus, Son of Mary and close connection of Walsingham to our to mark the 950th anniversary of the Son of God; a turning point on life’s nation highlighted so powerfully in the foundation of the Shrine of Our Lady journey. Perhaps this is why in these recent visit to Westminster Abbey. Our of Walsingham. As a former Vicar days of deep spiritual hunger and land is truly the Dowry of Mary – a title of Walsingham and now the Roman yearning, people flock to Walsingham. being renewed in 2020 when England Catholic chaplain of the University of will once again be placed under the Suffolk, Fr Rear certainly knows and As Cardinal Vincent Nichols says, protection of Mary and her prayers. loves his subject from both an Anglican ‘The Shrine of Walsingham is part ‘Pray O holy Mother of God for the and RC perspective. He shows of the rich tapestry of this island. It conversion of England’ is our fervent meticulous research and has a fluent is a powerful part of the landscape prayer too. style of writing. This book will certainly of faith’. As the Tablet says, ‘This become the standard work on pilgrims book is a fascinating account of We rejoice with Fr Rear that Walsingham and pilgrimage to England’s Nazareth. the rise, destruction and revival of is an important part and sign of the England’s greatest Marian shrine...it journey Christians are making to deepen This second edition brings the story is handsomely illustrated and infused the unity desired by Mary’s Son for his of Walsingham up to date, for as the with the devotional spirit of the place’. Church so we can witness more fully author makes clear, Walsingham’s Shrine to the truth of the Gospel. The two is not just a site of historical interest Again, in an exciting new development shrines work and witness together but a living vibrant ‘thin’ place where the book chronicles the recent – strengthened by the Ecumenical hundreds of thousands of pilgrims and possible re-discovery of the medieval Covenant they made in 2018. visitors make their way each year just as image of Our Lady crowned by King our forbears did in times past. As the Henry III and dating to 1220-30. Could What better way to prepare prayerfully hymn puts it, ‘These stones that have this ‘Langham Madonna’ now in the for the 2020 rededication of our land echoed their praises are holy and dear Victoria and Albert Museum really be than a careful reading of Fr Rear’s is the ground where their feet have the original image enshrined in the excellent book by all who love and once trod; yet here they confessed they ancient Holy House? Have a good revere this holy place Our Lady has were strangers and pilgrims, and still read of this article and examine the chosen for her home? they were seeking the city of God’. In photograph carefully and decide for Walsingham, we glimpse most fully a yourself. How exciting is all this?! Reviewed by Canon Paul Greenwell, foretaste of that heavenly city – every Master of Hull Charterhouse visit is a meeting and reunion of friends The present venerated image of [email protected] old and new – just as it will be at Our Lady of Walsingham copied by journey’s end. No wonder we can’t Fr from the medieval keep away from this place. seal of the Priory has in recent years

17 The Walsingham Review Events, people & places

The Monstrance Appeal

You may recall that in last February’s Review we appealed for help with repairing and restoring the 1961 Holy House monstrance and various hanging lamps and crucifixes. There was a magnificent response and offers to assist financially with the repair work poured in. Quite soon after the publication of the Review the Guardian’s hanging lamp at the altar of the Annunciation fell apart. Several of these precious artefacts have Lignum Crucis already been taken to specialist metalwork companies and are undergoing professional Earlier this year, the three great wooden crosses in the restoration. Other items are waiting their turn. Shrine Grounds had to be replaced, using Walsingham oak. To all of you who responded so quickly and The bases of the old crosses, which had been buried deep generously we offer a very big thank-you. in the earth on the Calvary Hill without any protection, had Hopefully, you will soon be able to see the rotted away and there was a very real danger that they fruits of your generosity as these well-loved would topple over. The crosses have been a significant pieces of metalwork return to their home. landmark and vital focus of the devotions of many pilgrims for almost 90 years.

In October 1931 when the Shrine Church was dedicated, a special correspondent from the Church Times wrote, ‘As I left the chapel I found myself upon the Via Dolorosa. I found that it led up to a hillock, on which stood three great, wooden crosses. Walsingham called its pilgrims to pause Local joiner, Richard McColl, with and to remember the world’s examples of crosses he will be making. rejection and crucifixion of the Divine Son of Mary.’

Surprisingly, the heartwood of the old crosses is still very beautiful and we are now in the process of crafting holding crosses and crucifixes from the old wood. At the heart of the cross lies beauty and peace. Our Lady of Walsingham still calls us to ponder the mystery of the Cross. Please keep checking the Shrine website for details.

18 Assumptiontide 2019 Events, people & places

OCTOBER Looking ahead – 24 A date for your diary

The Dean and Chapter of Durham have given the go-ahead for a Walsingham Festival to be held in Durham Cathedral on Saturday 24th October, 2020 commencing at 11.00am. Full details will be made available early next year.

Corpus Christi Altor

Corpus Christi 2019

For the first time in years, the celebration of Corpus Christi in Walsingham involved both the Parish Church and the Shrine. Mass began at S. Mary’s at 11.00 am A GREAT AND and followed the normal pattern with Fr Harri Williams, the Parish Priest, both Principal Celebrant and preacher. MIGHTY WONDER Villagers and pilgrims filled the church but pride of place was given to the 35 children from Holy Trinity & WALSINGHAM BIBLE WEEKEND S. Silas C of E Primary School, Kentish Town, London, who were on a three day pilgrimage to the Shrine. When Exploring the mystery of the Saviour’s birth the Procession of the Blessed Sacrament was formed at Led by The Venerable Edward Dowler and the end of the service, some of the children carried their Father Peter Anthony school shields whilst others had baskets of rose petals. The full procession – singing Laud O Sion at full throttle – made its way out of S. Mary’s, along Church Street and up the High Street, turning right at the pump and into the Shrine Grounds through the Brandie Arch. Rose petals were tossed high into the air, forming a fragrant floral carpet as they hit the ground. Benediction was given at the Altar of the Mysteries of Light in the Shrine gardens FRIDAY 15 – SUNDAY 17 NOVEMBER 2019 – where Fr Andreas, the Shrine Priest, with the help of £105 per adult, £70 per child all inclusive the children, had created an appropriate Corpus Christi display from garden clippings, flowers and fallen petals.

More photos of the procession can be viewed on our To reserve a place please contact the Hospitality Department on [email protected] website at www.bit.ly/2Lyc2QL or call us on 01328 820239 www.walsinghamanglican.org.uk The Walsingham Review

Fr Tom Davis SSC, Cell Superior The Guardians’ Roll Father Geoffrey Miller As one climbs the (1928 - 2019) stairs from the College Undercroft Geoffrey Miller was born in 1928, in the lovely village of to the Refectory Burley-in-Wharfedale, and after becoming a teacher, he above, one cannot went to Mirfield. Thereafter, from his in 1958 but help be amazed (after trying his vocation in the Community), priesthood by the extraordinary was his whole life; and the depth of his spiritual life and collection of Shrine prayer made him a blessing to countless people over memorabilia. the years who attended his Masses, heard him preach, Photographs of or received the benefit of his wisdom and advice, not every Guardian least in the confessional. since 1931 cluster on the walls; old For nearly 30 years he paintings and odds ministered in Walsingham, and ends of furniture lurk in every corner. Amongst this first as Chantry Priest, collection used to hang the Guardians’ Roll – a piece of then in ‘retirement’ parchment signed by every Guardian since the College very busily at the was created in 1931 by Fr Patten and still used today. Shrine. For eleven Sadly the Roll was about to disintegrate completely, happy years he but quick work by Fr Kevin Smith (the Administrator) was married to and Fr Graeme Rowlands (Registrar of the College of Heather Roe. Guardians) has saved the day. Painstaking restoration Fr Miller was a

work by Vicky West Conservation, a firm based in much-loved and Hobbs Photo: © Tessa London, has brought the precious document back to loving priest and life. Rips and tears have been repaired and dirt and husband, for whom smudges removed. And rather than hanging lop- we give thanks, as we sidedly on the wall, the Guardians’ Roll now lives in its commend his soul restored frame in a beautiful red document box. in confidence to God.

Walsingham comes to the

Soon after arriving on the Island in 2017, I discovered homily on this year’s theme, ‘Do whatever he tells that the Cell of Our Lady of Walsingham here had you’ with an image of Our Lady of Walsingham lapsed. After some conversations, I discovered that sitting majestically nearby. there were over thirty people across the Island who have a devotion to Our Lady and were very keen for A simple request made many very happy as we the Cell to be brought back into life. We accordingly honoured Mary in our Cathedral Church. This is relaunched a Diocesan Cell of Our Lady of Walsingham but a reminder of the graciousness of God, that and St Maughold: by tradition an early Bishop of the all we have to do is ask and pray. Island baptised by St Patrick.

Following a conversation with our bishop, the Rt Revd Peter Eagles, we asked the Priest Administrator to bring Walsingham to the Island especially for those who cannot go there. Fr Kevin visited in May, and we had a very successful weekend. Everything we enjoy about Walsingham we did here and benefited from the experience. The highlight was listening to Fr Kevin’s

20 OBITS ORDER OF OUR LADY OF WALSINGHAM Geoffrey Miller (PAHH)

PRIESTS ASSOCIATE Michael Shields John Wright Charles Blankenship Anthony Yates Robin Osborne John Corbett John Orme David Birt Philip Swindells Kenneth Rogers +Kenneth Newing John Shepherd leading Fr Hope Patten on a procession in 1952 Stanley Horsey Henry Dickinson Terence D Hargreaves-Stead John Shepherd (1932 - 2019) John Mackey A Ivor Paget Another link with the Community of St. Augustine, an important segment Alfred J Ward of the Shrine’s history, has passed with the death on Ash Wednesday of Keith Wood Frederick John Shepherd (always known as John) at the age of 86. He Garry Humphryes was the son of Frederick and Pearl Shepherd, local business people, who lived in Friday Market. His was a ‘village vocation’, fostered by Fr Patten, PARTNERSHIP beginning with his entry into the embryonic Community of St Augustine. By Douglas Hurley founding the CSA Fr Patten had hoped to establish a college of priests and John Rhodes lay brothers who would serve the Shrine long into the future. In 1950, while John Mackey (PAHH) still at Fakenham Grammar School, John entered as a postulant and was THE SOCIETY OF OUR clothed as Brother John Augustine CSA. In the following year he became a LADY OF WALSINGHAM leading and dominant figure in the Community. Dorothy Smallwood O Brenda Leeson After Fr Patten’s sudden death in August 1958 it fell to John to deal with Betty Breedon the depleted Community. He was already in ’s orders, about to be Lorna Turner ordained priest in Norwich Cathedral on 21 September, and a fortnight Jean Chapman after that event he and another member formally dissolved the CSA. Maisie King Choosing to leave Walsingham the following year, John joined another Audrey Wheeler ex-CSA priest, Fr John Oldland, as his in London, but later became Patricia Thompson a Roman Catholic layman working in a variety of posts. A few years later Brenda Trewhitt he returned to appointments in Anglican parishes in London, finally being John Crew made Chaplain to the , . From 1981 to Barbara Norris 1992 he was a Clerk of the Order of Our Lady of Walsingham. After a spell John Campbell in America, as a Canon of Fort Worth, Texas, he returned to England and Mary Warn to the Roman Catholic Church. His last home in retirement was at St Peter’s Hamish Beattie Residence in Vauxhall, a care home run by the Little Sisters Community. His Frank Booth room was the one previously occupied by Fr Augustine Hoey. Rita Ashley Abbie Plant John’s parents, Fred and Pearl, were remembered in Walsingham for Vera Townend managing the Shrine’s former property in the High Street, a house called George Elliott ‘Shields’, which was used as a home in the 1950s for the older boys from James Rothwell St Hilary’s who had started going out to work. Jane Pinching Audrey Batty John never forgot his beginnings, and had kept a quantity of early Shrine David Martlew literature and cards, as well as many of the books left to him in Fr Patten’s Joan Harding Will. Over the years he passed items to the Shrine archives, for which we Margaret Hill were very grateful. The final boxes were received after his death, and from these also we have been able to fill many gaps in our collection.

21 The Walsingham Review Our Lady of Paris

After the fire earlier this year at Paris’s Immaculate to mark his Silver Jubilee great cathedral of Notre Dame the of priesthood. This is the statue Shrine’s Honorary Archivist posted which still stands on the apex of the the following on Facebook on the west front of the Shrine Church. The

page of the online Cell of Our Lady removal and subsequent restoration Photo: © Phil Gray of Walsingham: of the image of Our Lady of Paris was paid for by the church of St Magnus ‘As we pray for the people of Paris the Martyr, London Bridge and is and for the Restoration of Our Lady’s now seen on the outside wall of the Cathedral, let us recall the Shrine’s Pilgrim Hall, opposite the east end own link with Notre Dame de Paris. of the Shrine Church. The image It may not be well known that her was “re-carved and gilded” in 1983 image watched over the West Front by Siegfried Pietsch (a well-known of the Shrine from 1931 until 1966. Faith Craft member, who also carved It was placed there as building the altar crucifix in the Guild of All work was finishing on the new Holy Souls Chapel). House, a few weeks before the Translation of the statue of Our Lady Over the years the identification of of Walsingham from the parish church this image as Our Lady of Paris has on 15 October, 1931.’ gradually been forgotten by both Shrine staff and pilgrims. However, It was actually a flat cut-out image, further restoration and re-gilding took intended to be temporary. A place this year – once again thanks to a replacement was talked about in generous donation from St Magnus the 1961 (the 900th anniversary of Martyr. The gable end of the Pilgrim Richeldis’s vision) but it was not Hall has also been repainted so that, replaced until 1966, when Fr Colin viewed from the gardens, the image Stephenson, the then Administrator, sparkles in the sunshine. Our Lady of gave a statue of Our Lady Paris has come out of the shadows.

From the archives It is September 1931 and the builders’ rubble has not yet been cleared away. The Holy House and its covering building have just been erected, with a bell tower beyond. Soon – on October 15th – the statue of Our Lady will be Translated in solemn procession from its position in St Mary’s, the Parish Church, where it has been the focus of devotion since 6 July, 1922, to its permanent place in this Holy House. The extension – the Shrine Church as we know it today – will follow in 1938, and the north and south Cloisters in 1964 and 1972. The image of Our Lady of Paris is already in place above the entrance, as a temporary measure.

22 Assumptiontide 2019 Membership matters This will be the last Membership Matters that acknowledged using hand-written receipt I shall write. After nearly 20 years, it’s time to books; information from the receipt books retire – and to hand over the Development and then had be transferred to one of the two Membership departments of the Shrine to the computer databases. Surely the whole point NEW SOCIETY newly-appointed Director of Communications. of computers was to make such transactions MEMBERS quicker, easier and more efficient? I arrived at the Shrine at Easter 2000, taking over as Organist and Membership Before coming to Walsingham, I had taught 147 Secretary. I retired as Organist/Director of for ten years in Chester. One of my former Music in 2014, but continued to work as sixth form students had a reputation for Development Director. being a bit of a computer “whizz”. And so he was. Patrick, over several years and When I arrived, the Membership side of making regular short visits to Walsingham, the Shrine’s activities was far from being a transformed the Shrine Membership department. It all seemed to happen inside database through his programming skills. NEW a large metal biscuit tin (Huntley & Palmers All singing and dancing? You bet! PARTNERS – Assorted Tea Time, if you really want to know) where could be found changes of The initially unhelpful Access database could addresses, wads of subscription payments, now print receipts and envelopes, do the 17 cash and cheques, receipt books, badges, weekly cashing-up, print reports and labels, membership cards... The tin was correct – send out lamp reminder letters – the list was it was “Assorted” indeed. endless. Life as the Membership Secretary was transformed. It was a sad day when we A step forward in the previous year had decided that the Membership database been made by the then Bursar who had a needed to be upgraded and future-proofed. modest Microsoft Access database created It’s worth noting that the external designers NEW PRIESTS for both membership (Society and Priests and programmers for this new version were ASSOCIATE Associate) and the lamps of the Holy astounded by what the previous database House. Unfortunately, just before I arrived could do. Patrick is now a GP and a lecturer in Walsingham, these two databases had at Manchester University Medical School, 31 been attacked by a computer virus and living with his family in the Peak District – and literally dismembered! Fortunately – and no doubt still a bit of a computer whizz! So this was in the days when the mailing of the my thanks to Patrick – and to all those who Walsingham Review was prepared in-house have worked in the Membership Department – the Housekeepers stopped housekeeping past and present; Simon, Karl, Laura, Hannah, and for three days became envelope Jonathan, Ryan, Nigel and Stuart. stuffers. Address labels – produced by the NEW CELLS two databases – were affixed by hand. By Membership of the Society and of Priests S. John the Baptist, a stroke of luck someone had decided to Associate has increased considerably over South Leamington Spa make photocopies of all the sheets of name the past years and that means – particularly and address labels. A huge relief! with the financial assistance of the S. Luke with S. James, Jersey, Channel Islands Walsingham Partnership since 2004 – that Having spent three months restoring the the Shrine’s supporters have played a S. Martin, Ruislip membership data to computer, I was then role in the development of Walsingham. (2000 Cell re-established 2019) able to get to work properly. The Shrine Keep up the good work – and keep those S. Hilda, Cross Green, at that time had no centralised computer subscriptions rolling in! Leeds network or telephone system. Subscriptions (2006 Cell re-established 2019) received at the membership desk were Peter Macken

23 Events

Pilgrimage for Healing and Renewal The Priests’ and Deacons’ Retreat Pilgrimage Monday 26 August “Above all women blest.” 12noon – Concelebrated Mass. Mary and the dawn of our redemption Principal Celebrant: Bishop Monday 3 – Friday 7 February 2020 2.30pm – Sermon, Sprinkling & Healing Ministries. Keynote speakers: Bishop ; Bishop Rowan Preacher: Canon Gary Ecclestone, Vicar of Hanslope Williams; Sr Gemma Simmonds CJ & Castlethorpe

Partnership Weekend The Families Pilgrimage Friday 14 – Sunday 16 February 2020 From age to age... Monday 21 – Friday 25 October Action-packed week for all the family Leaders’ & Organisers’ Pilgrimage Weekend Friday 28 February – Sunday 1 March 2020

Bible Weekend A Great and Mighty Wonder The Walsingham Children’s Pilgrimage Exploring the mystery of the Saviour’s birth Friday 13 – Sunday 15 March 2020 Friday 15 – Sunday 17 November Led by The Ven. Edward Dowler and Fr Peter Anthony A Lenten Retreat Mary and the Eucharist Adoremus. Young Adults’ Pilgrimage Monday 23 – Thursday 26 March 2020 Following in the Footsteps of the Saints Led by Bishop Roger Jupp Friday 22 – Sunday 24 November A weekend of teaching, pilgrimage and fellowship for students and young adults from 18 to 35 years old The National Pilgrimage Monday 25 May 2020

Advent Retreat Friday 6 December – Sunday 8 December The Youth Pilgrimage Led by Bishop Monday 3 – Friday 7 August 2020

www.walsinghamanglican.org.uk

For further details and booking please contact the Hospitality Department by calling us on 01328 820239 or emailing us at [email protected]