Messenger
50: 1926
PRIESTS’ PILGRIMAGE TO WALSINGHAM
A pilgrimage to the Shrine of Our Lady of Walsingham will be made
by a number of C.L. priests on Whit Monday to Wednesday, as an act
of Reparation for the insults offered to our Blessed Lord and His
Mother by the heresies of Modernism and as an act of Intercession
for Catholic reunion. This place, once the principal Shrine of Our
Lady in England, with its copy of the Holy House of Loretto, and a
goal of pilgrimage for all W. Christendom, is under its Vicar, Fr
Hope Patten and with the cooperation of the L.O.L. becoming once again
a home of devotion to which hundreds go every year as pilgrims. The
site of the old Shrine in the Abbey is now, alas, but a green sward
in the grounds of a lay owner, but a beautiful figure of Our Lady
of Walsingham, copied from an ancient seal depicting the image burnt
by impious hands at the great Pillage, is set in the Church and perpetually
venerated. We hope that this pilgrimage will lead to the organisation
of a C.L. pilgrimage open to all members later on.
Messenger
52: 1927
PILGRIMAGES
Members of the League are invited to join in the C.L. Pilgrimage to
Our Lady of Walsingham. It has been arranged that the pilgrims leave
London on Whit-Tuesday, meeting first for Mass at St Magnus’.
It involves sleeping two nights at Walsingham and returning by midday
Thursday.
A wonderful
work has been done by Father Hope Patten and his coadjutors in this
old-world village to revive the ancient devotion to Our Lady. A replica
of the old image, burned at Chelsea in the great pillage of the sixteenth
century times of horror, forms a shrine in the transept of the beautiful
parish Church. We are able to visit the mediæval Slipper Chapel
and the ruins of the old Abbey where, alas! only the site of the ancient
wooden House of Mary built in imitation of the House at Nazareth can
now be found, and also the three wells in the Abbey grounds, so long
a scene of miraculous answers to prayer, and recently blessed in no
small measure.
The
pilgrimages are very well organised, with beautiful services and a
torchlight procession, and no one who can possibly come should miss
this opportunity of helping to make again this shrine a centre of
fervent piety and widespread influence for the conversion of England.
Messenger
54: 1927
FIRST C.L. PILGRIMAGE TO WALSINGHAM
A Pilgrimage is being arranged for members of the League to this once
famous and beloved shrine of Our Lady in Norfolk. It is our wish to
do our part in the revival of devotion at this holy place that once
more it may be a fervent centre of true religion. The League of Our
Lady has led the way in this revival and has two pilgrimages this
year. The pilgrimages are well ordered under the inspiration of Father
Hope Patten, and include a visit to the site of the old “House
of Mary” in the Abbey ruins. To see the reverent crowd there
and at the ancient Wells of healing amidst the remnants of the Monastery
is to see the wonderful life again springing in the English Church
amid the ruins of the Reformation. The old village Church with its
beautiful replica of the ancient image of Our Lady of Walsingham and
the warm welcome from the villagers, such a large proportion of whom
are practising Catholics; the pilgrim hostel of Our Lady, Star of
the Sea, maintained by the good Sisters from Horbury, hard by the
cottages many of which are the old pilgrim hostels adapted; all these
are unforgettable in inspiring memories.
The
pilgrims leave London at 3,00 on Whit-Tuesday after Mass in St Magnus’
at 12.15 and stay until midday on Thursday after Whitsun. The inclusive
charge for fares and lodging and board is £2.13.6 Full particulars
from Miss E Few, C.L. Office.
top of page
Messenger
58: 1928
PILGRIMAGE OF OUR LADY OF WALSINGHAM
The Second C.L. Pilgrimage to this ancient shrine will be
made from Tuesday, June 19th to the 21st, under the direction of Fr
Fynes-Clinton. The order of Pilgrimage is –
Tues
12.15 Sung Mass and Blessing of Pilgrims in St Magnus’, (Monument
Station).
3.00 Leave King’s Cross, motor from Fakenham to Walsingham.
7.15 First visit to Shrine, Sol. Vespers, Address and Confessions.
Wed 7.00 High Mass and Low Masses. 10.30 Stations. Visit Pilgrim (“Slipper”)
Chapel at Houghton in the Dale.
3.00 Rosary Procession from Church to Site of Holy House in the Abbey
grounds. Prayers at the Holy Wells.
7.30 Sol. Vespers and outdoor Procession.
Thurs 8.00 Holy Communion. 10.15 Last Address and Mass.
12.30 Leave: Arrive King’s Cross 4.30 pm
All meals at the Hospice of Our Lady, Star of the Sea.
We hope
that as many members, especially Priests, as possible will join this
Pilgrimage. The development of Walsingham into a centre once more
of Faith and Devotion is of vital importance to the Catholic Counter-reformation,
and the League must do all it can to foster it. All Catholics are
welcome to join in this Pilgrimage.
The
charge inclusive of fares, board and lodging, is £2.12.6. Pilgrims
coming by other routes are charged £1.6.0 exclusive of fares.
The
C.L. Fraternity of Our Lady de Salve Regina, in St Magnus’ Church
has presented a large votive Candle to the Shrine at Walsingham, and
the Pilgrimage Association there has presented one to the Fraternity
Shrine in token of our common Devotion and the mutual sympathy and
prayers that are we hope a growing bond between the peaceful country
shrine and the church in the heart of the hurrying City, from the
Altar of which the Pilgrimages regularly start.
Messenger
59: 1928
C.L. PILGRIMAGE TO WALSINGHAM
The C.L. Pilgrimage to Walsingham was this year from June
19th to 21st and although this time was not so suitable to members
as the date of last year (Whit week) and the attendance therefore
somewhat smaller, those Priests and layfolk taking part felt that
there was the true Catholic atmosphere both devotional and social
of a great pilgrimage. The arrangements throughout were excellent
and we must thank our C.L. Pilgrimage Secretary, Miss Few and also
Miss Lloyd, the Secretary of the Walsingham Pilgrimages, for their
every attention to our wants.
Walsingham
is rapidly becoming a Catholic centre, and English Catholics must
strive to the utmost to bring to England the old times when thousands
and thousands of Pilgrims visited “The Holy Land of Walsingham”
each year. The Shrine in the ages of Faith was as great a centre of
Devotion to Our Lady as Lourdes in proportion to the means of travel
of those days and as well known throughout Europe. This year there
are no less than seven “Great Pilgrimages,” and it is
to be hoped that next year there will be at least one every week.
Then truly England will become once more “Our Lady’s Dowry”
in its full meaning.
Our
Pilgrimage started with Mass and the Blessing of Pilgrims at St Magnus’
by London Bridge, and those of us who came from London caught the
3 o’clock from King’s Cross and on arrival at Fakenham
cars were waiting to take us the five miles to Walsingham Church,
where we met other Pilgrims from all parts. Met by the Rector at the
doors, we immediately paid a first visit to the shrine which is in
the Chapel of the Church where the Blessed Sacrament is reserved.
One of the great lessons brought before us is the close union of devotion
to Our Lady with the Blessed Sacrament, and throughout the Pilgrimage
this thought is very much brought to the front. After this supper
is served at the Hospice of Our Lady Star of the Sea, kept by Sisters
of St Peter’s, Horbury, and everything is exceedingly well arranged.
The
Pilgrimage was under the direction of Fr Fynes-Clinton, who based
his addresses on the first Pilgrimage to our Lady: that of the Shepherds
at Bethlehem. Then followed the first Vespers in Church and Confessions.
In the morning there were High Mass well sung and served by the Choir
and Servers of the village, and Masses said by all the Priests on
the Pilgrimage. Stations of the Cross, followed by a visit to Houghton
St Giles’ and the Slipper Chapel there, occupied the morning.
The Slipper Chapel is so called, because here, about a mile from Walsingham
the Pilgrims in the olden times used to take off their shoes and complete
the journey barefoot. In the afternoon the central act of the Pilgrimage
took place. A Rosary procession through the village to the site of
the original Shrine, alas, now in ruins. This was in the Abbey of
Walsingham, and was known throughout the world as “England’s
Nazareth,” and was chosen by Our Lady herself who appeared in
a vision to Lady Richeldis in 1061 and directed that a Chapel, after
the model of the Holy House at Nazareth, should be built in honour
of the Mystery of the Incarnation. As a proof of this vision healing
waters suddenly burst forth in the meads. The visit to the site of
the House is followed by one to these wells and the Pilgrims drink
of the waters, and any sufferers are bathed with the water. In the
evening Solemn Vespers are followed by a Procession in the Churchyard
and Devotions and the Pilgrimage closes the next morning with Mass,
Communion and a last Address.
The
date of next year’s C.L. Pilgrimage has been fixed at the same
season as last year, Whit-week, when we hope that a very large gathering
of members and friends will be made. Book the dates now, Whit-Tuesday
to Thursday.
Messenger 62: 1929
PILGRIMAGE OF OUR LADY OF WALSINGHAM
The Third C.L. Pilgrimage to this Shrine, the greatest of
mediæval England and pearl of “Our Lady’s Dowry,”
will be led by Fr Fynes-Clinton on Whit Tuesday. The order of Pilgrimage
is –
Tues
12.15 Sung Mass and Blessing of Pilgrims in St Magnus’, (Monument
Station).
3.00 Leave King’s Cross, motor from Fakenham to Walsingham.
7.15 First visit to Shrine, Sol. Vespers, Address and Confessions.
Wed 7.00 High Mass and Low Masses. 10.30 Stations. Visit Pilgrim (“Slipper”)
Chapel at Houghton in the Dale.
3.00 Rosary Procession from Church to Site of Holy House in the Abbey
grounds. Prayers at the Holy Wells.
7.30 Sol. Vespers and outdoor Procession.
Thurs 8.00 Holy Communion. 10.15 Last Address and Mass.
12.30 Leave: Arrive King’s Cross 4.30 pm
All meals at the Hospice of Our Lady, Star of the Sea.
We hope
that as many members, especially Priests, as possible will join this
Pilgrimage. The development of Walsingham into a centre once more
of Faith and Devotion is of vital importance to the Catholic Counter-reformation,
and the League must do all it can to foster it. All Catholics are
welcome to join in this Pilgrimage.
The
charge inclusive of fares, board and lodging, is £2.12.6. Pilgrims
coming by other routes are charged £1.6.0, exclusive of fares.
The
C.L. Tabernacle Treasury, formed by the alms of our members, has given
a Crown for the Ciborium at Exposition in the Church of Walsingham,
and this will be presented during the Pilgrimage.
top of page
Messenger
63: 1929
THE WALSINGHAM PILGRIMAGE
Our
third Annual League Pilgrimage took place from Whitsun Tuesday to
Thursday and was attended by some 55 persons including several priests.
We hope to make Whitsun week the regular annual season for our Pilgrimage.
Those members who cannot come at this time would be very welcome at
those organised by the League of Our Lady in May and August annually.
No one
who takes part can fail to enjoy the time spent and also to rejoice
that this shrine is becoming each year better known and loved and
draws an increasing number of Mary’s children. In these days,
when the Bishop of Birmingham delights to insult our Blessed Mother,
(which all Catholics must take as worse than a personal insult to
themselves) the work of reparation and of propagation of the Faith
can be done in a very real and most powerful way by promoting these
pilgrimages. The usual programme was followed under the direction
of Fr Fynes-Clinton, but we sadly missed the presence of the Rector,
Father Hope Patten, who was ill. Fr Wodehouse of St Paul’s,
Oxford, preached and Bishop O'Rorke, formerly Bishop of Accra, kindly
pontificated at Vespers and received us afterwards in the Refectory.
A priest,
non-member, who took part writes as follows:-
The director said we had come to give honour and worship to God through
the veneration of Mary, whose name had been for so long associated
with this place and whose powerful intercession had won so many blessings
for our forefathers. He touched on the social pleasure of a pilgrimage.
We had come to be happy together in the home of our Mother, the place
which she chose, and by our love and devotion to offer some small
measure of reparation for the insults offered by English people in
the time of the Reformation. It did not, like a Retreat, take us out
of everyday life and sanctify our holidays and friendships with the
remembrance of God, of Mary our Mother, and the Saints our friends.
It was the work of God the Holy Ghost to take of the things of Christ
and show them unto us. Amongst the things He had shown to the Church
was the love and constant intercession of Mary, and at her shrine
we were conscious of a renewed and enlarged perception of spiritual
things. The impressions left upon me who shared the Pilgrimage are
as follows:-
First,
the perfection of the arrangements, and the smoothness of their working.
Everything possible was done to eliminate distractions and to minister
to the bodily and spiritual needs of the pilgrims. The devotions were
sufficient to maintain the spiritual level, but no so numerous or
prolonged as to cause fatigue, and the points of interest were brought
into notice in such a way as to furnish constantly a fresh stimulus
to devotion. The Pilgrimage was psychologically right.
Secondly,
there was a marked absence of extravagance or self-consciousness.
The writer must confess that when urged by a friend to join in the
pilgrimage, he asked, with a remembrance of certain services which
he had attended, whether there were likely to be many cranks in the
party. There were none. The party was a happy family, and there was
nothing extravagant as to devotion or attire to be seen. Devotion
seemed to come easily in such surroundings, but it was a happy, quiet
devotion; and there was, I think, a common perception of the nearness
of the spiritual world, and of the love and intercessions of Our Lady
and the Saints. The Social side of the gathering was all that could
be desired; there was no one dull, and no one boisterous; no cliques
and no neglect; lively conversation without scandal, keen arguments
without heat. One believed that here were manifested more plainly
than is common the fruits of the Spirit whose coming we were celebrating.
Thirdly,
there was feeling that we were engaged in a work which might bring
vast benefits to the Church in this land. It was a work of reparation.
The Conductor more than once spoke of “our forefathers”
as guilty of throwing down the holy images and defacing the painted
figures of the Saints. The work of reparation is peculiarly our own.
No others, however orthodox or devout, can make expiation for deeds
done by Englishmen and sons of the English Church. We felt and hoped
that the work would grow and that thousands and tens of thousands
hereafter would stand where we stood and make their offering of sorrow
for the shameful past. That there were abuses connected with the shrines
of Our Lady and the Saints no one doubts; but that with the abuses
should be swept away all veneration, all loving appeals, finally all
perception of Sainthood, what Christian could approve? Not Erasmus,
with all his satire; not the country people of England who often frequented
the holy shrines and mourned what seemed the ruthless banishment of
their friends and intercessors.
One
sentence spoken by Fr Fynes-Clinton seemed to find an echo in the
hearts of many. He said these pilgrimages might do more for English
religion than Congresses and meetings. No Catholic, of course, would
disparage the immense value of the Anglo-Catholic Congresses in arousing
enthusiasm and imparting instruction. But it is the fact that English
religion – sometimes even that of Anglo-Catholics – tends
to be cold and rather rationalistic, with a weak sense of the supernatural.
At Walsingham everything tends to increase and foster belief in the
reality and powers of the spiritual world. Here one might well realise
for the first time how warm and intimate our relations with that world
can be, and how the dwellers in it, from the Blessed Mother downwards,
are concerned with our sorrows and struggles, and love to help us
with their intercessions. This quickened perception reacts upon devotion
in other ways, and nowhere has the writer been so vividly conscious
of the presence and love of Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament as when
here at the Shrine of Mary. Many gracious and marvellous things has
God done for the Church in this land during the last hundred years.
It may be that the revival of pilgrimage, in spreading abroad the
perception of spiritual realities and powers, will prove to be the
greatest of His blessings.
GIFT
TO WALSINGHAM CHURCH
During the Pilgrimage a Crown to enhance the dignity of the Pyx at
Exposition was presented by Mr Fisher, the General Secretary, as a
gift from the Tabernacle Treasury. This Fund exists for the purpose
of making grants for the adornment of Tabernacles or giving Monstrances,
etc., where the Holy Sacrament is duly adored. In these times when
we owe so much Reparation for the outrages offered to the Blessed
Sacrament Reserved, members may be glad to know of this way of adding
to the external worship that should be so greatly increased.
Father
Hope Patten kindly writes:
“The Crown is most effective and everyone seems so pleased with
it. We are using it for service constantly, and so the C.L. is represented
every time. Please thank the League very much and tell them how disappointed
I was in not being able to be with them on their pilgrimage.”
Messenger
66: 1930
THE WALSINGHAM PILGRIMAGE
The
fourth C.L. Pilgrimage to this wonderful shrine will be made from
Tuesday to Thursday of Whit-week. Full particulars can be obtained
from the Pilgrimage Secretary at C.L. Office. Every member should
resolve to offer the devotion and witness of this Pilgrimage at least
once in reparation for the wrongs to Our Lady perpetrated in this
age of unbelief, and intercession for the triumph of the Faith of
our land. Director: Fr Fynes-Clinton
The
order of Pilgrimage is –
Tues
12.15 Sung Mass and Blessing of Pilgrims in St Magnus’, (Monument
Station).
3.00 Leave King’s Cross, Motor from Fakenham to Walsingham.
7.15 First visit to Shrine, Sol. Vespers, Address and Confessions.
Wed 7.00 High Mass and Low Masses. 10.30 Stations. Visit Pilgrim (“Slipper”)
Chapel at Houghton in the Dale.
3.00 Rosary Procession from Church to Site of Holy House in the Abbey
grounds. Prayers at the Holy Wells.
7.30 Sol. Vespers and outdoor Procession.
Thurs 8.00 Holy Communion. 10.15 Last Address and Mass.
12.30 Leave: Arrive King’s Cross 4.30 pm
All
meals at the Hospice of Our Lady, Star of the Sea.
The
inclusive cost of fares from London, board and lodging is £2/12/6.
A Manual of Prayers and information for the Pilgrimage can be had
for 1/6. Applications for room should be made as soon as possible
to the Pilgrimage Secretary, St Magnus’, Lower Thames Street,
E.C.3.
top of page
Messenger
67: 1930
THE PILGRIMAGE TO WALSINGHAM
Walsingham is the ancient National Shrine of Mary in England,
and was known throughout Europe as England’s Nazareth. The Sanctuary
was founded by a lady named Richeldis in the reign of St Edward the
Confessor about the year 1061. Walsingham became the goal of countless
pilgrims seeking to honour the Incarnation of our Lord and to obtain
the prayers of his blessed Mother. The chief object of veneration
was a small house or chapel, the original one began by Richeldis and
transported by supernatural power to another site a good many paces
distant. In this House was the image of the Mother of God known as
Our Lady of Walsingham. Near by, and like the Holy House all under
cover of the Abbey Church, were the Holy Wells which had sprung up
when the Holy House was removed. In these miraculous waters pilgrims
who had bodily disease bathed. The powerful intercession of Mary at
Walsingham was signalized by countless miracles in that place from
the time of the foundation of the Shrine until its destruction by
Henry VIII in the 16th century. From that time until recently the
fame of Walsingham dwindled and almost expired. The religious houses,
notably the Abbey Church itself, were destroyed. The village forgot
its erstwhile fame and prosperity and became insignificant and poor.
Yet it is certain that during all those dark ages Walsingham was not
forgotten, but that from time to time pilgrims made their way thither
to make what reparation they could for the sacrilege and desecration
that had overtaken the once-famous and holy Shrine. Some nine or ten
years ago devotion to Our Lady of Walsingham flamed afresh under the
inspiration and effort of the Rev. A. Hope Patten, who became vicar
of the parish church. Not only was this pre-Reformation building repaired
and made beautiful for Catholic worship once more, but the special
devotion to Our Lady of Walsingham was restored within its walls.
From the title-deed seals in the British Museum artists recovered
the likeness of the ancient image of Mary and Jesus. A new image so
fashioned was placed in the Lady Chapel of the parish church. Then
pilgrims began to come, few at first, and then in large numbers. One
of the ancient hostelries was purchased for the Pilgrimage Association
and put into comfortable condition for the entertainment of modern
pilgrims. It is in charge of Sisters of the Community of St Peter,
Horbury, as the Hospice of our Lady Star of the Sea. Now there are
two other hostels of SS Michael and George and of St Augustine.
In Whitsun
Week this year it was my privilege as an American Priest to go to
Walsingham with the Catholic League and Yorkshire Pilgrimage. We went
on Whit Tuesday, June 10th. There were three groups to come. The largest,
led by Fr Fynes-Clinton, came from London. Fr Ferrier and Fr Orr brought
the Yorkshire pilgrims: I came with the group from St Paul’s,
Oxford, with Fr Roger Wodehouse. In all there were about seventy.
The
late afternoon sun flooded the Vale of Stiffkey, the holy land of
Walsingham, when we gathered for the first formal act of our pilgrimage
outside the church were the Shrine now is. The London Pilgrims were
the last to arrive, but as soon as they did, led by Fr Fynes-Clinton,
the Director of the Pilgrimage, we entered the church in procession
singing the Litany of Loreto in Latin. That moment gave the keynote
to the whole Pilgrimage. The pilgrims united in that procession coalesced
at once into a spiritual family. Joy and peace, two notable fruits
of the spirit, took possession of us all. Devotion inspired our hearts.
Henceforth the spirit of prayer and gaiety came down upon us.
After
our first visit, we returned to the Hospice of our Lady for supper
and the business of getting acquainted with one another socially,
no great difficulty seeing that we were all there in the love of our
Lord and our Lady. In the evening we returned to the church for Vespers
and a sermon by Fr Fynes-Clinton on the Pilgrimage of the Wise men.
Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament ended our formal worship, and
the pilgrims made their confessions and visited the Shrine, the altars,
and the lesser shrines in the Church. The next morning, Wednesday,
the twelve or fourteen Masses began at half past six and occupied
the time until nearly nine o’clock with High Mass at seven.
At half past ten the Director led the Stations of the Cross. Immediately
afterwards the pilgrims walked informally, yet still in spirit of
pilgrimage, the mile to St Giles’ Church at Houghton. Fr Leeds
met us there and took us into the Church to recite the glorious Mysteries
of the Rosary. Here again is an ancient church restored and adorned
for Catholic worship. The pre-Reformation rood-screen still stands,
an exquisite piece of religious craftsmanship, carved and painted,
though the face of each saint depicted has been meticulously scratched
out by non-believers in Protestant times.
From
St Giles’ we walked in procession, singing the Litany B.V.M.,
to the exquisite architectural gem, the ancient “Slipper”
Chapel of St Catherine, now the property of the English Benedictines
in communion with the Holy See. Here in former days pilgrims arriving
from the south put off their shoes to walk to Walsingham barefoot:
hence the name of Slipper Chapel. We stood in the roadway outside
the Chapel and said prayers for the reunion of Christendom, and then
sand the Easter Anthem of our Lady, the Regina Cœli. Afterwards,
in small groups, the pilgrims crowded into the tiny fane to say private
prayers and to examine its interesting though bare interior. St Catherine’s
has not been restored for worship.
The
climax of the Pilgrimage came at three o’clock on Wednesday
afternoon. The pilgrims assembled at the Shrine in the church and
after Intercession set off in solemn order, singing the Sorrowful
Mysteries, for the abbey grounds. The people of the village stood
respectfully at their doors to watch the procession pass down the
streets. We entered the abbey enclosure under the ancient gateway,
one of the few standing remains of the old grandeur in stone of Walsingham.
At the site of the Holy House, a grassy bank on the lawn, we fell
to our knees, kissing the earth in reparation for its desecration
and destruction. There we offered our prayers fervently and silently.
Sight-seers and curious persons gathered around, surprised, at first
amused, then awed and impressed by the evidence of faith and devotion
of the pilgrims. Another visit was made to the location of the high
altar. We knelt on the grass beneath the single arch, all that remains
of the one-time glory of Walsingham Abbey Church. That arch stands,
grand yet pathetic, as the witness in stone to our Lady of Walsingham.
It is, in its way, the symbol of the fact that though the despoiler
intended to eradicate Mary’s honour and glory in England he
did not quite succeed, and the continuity of faith and love, Mary’s
and man’s, still stands strong as an arch, bridging the centuries
until the restoration come.
The
last point of visitation was the Holy Wells. There are three wells,
two small ones in round copies of stone, and a larger one like a great
bath in a square pool, faced with stone. Here the miracles of our
Lady’s intercession for the sick and afflicted were wrought
in the days of faith and are now manifested once more in a number
of authenticated instances. We stood about the wells, praying. Two
priests ministered to those who wanted, the bathing of the waters.
Many received this ceremonial and devotional washing. All of us drank
of the water from the well, and each was given a small bottle of water
to take home with him. After the visit to the abbey grounds, the vicar
Father Hope Patten, entertained the Pilgrims to tea in the vicarage
garden. No more beautiful and lively scene could be imagined than
that tea-party on the smooth and sunny lawn. Everybody was so happy.
Conversation buzzed gaily, and, of course, inevitably, we had a group
photograph taken. In the evening there was Vespers again in the church.
Dom Benedict Lee, OSB of Nashdom Abbey, preached a sermon. Then came
the glorious procession of our Lady. The large congregation went forth
with the pilgrims from the church, singing the Legend of Walsingham.
All carried candles. The various sodalities and confraternities had
their banners. Two young girls carried on their shoulders the Statue
of the Virgin Mother of God. Outside, scores of people from the village
and the countryside witnessed the procession. Around the churchyard
we went and back into the church. Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament
ended our day.
Again
next morning, Masses occupied the early hours. After breakfast there
was a last Mass for us all. It was a Low Mass with music, the organ
and one or two hymns. No more impressive and devotional presentation
of the Liturgy could have been possible. Everybody felt the beauty
and solemnity of that act of worship. After Mass, at the Altar of
St George, was venerated the Relic of St Vincent, and then passed
into the Lady Chapel for our last visit to the Shrine. The final prayers
were informal. We knelt crowded close together in the chapel. A multitude
of candles burned about the Shrine. Above glimmered the silver lamps
before the face of the Holy Mother, giving to the world the Divine
Child in her arms. The leaders of the various groups of the Pilgrimage
made the last thanksgivings and intercessions, then our Director blessed
us and dismissed us. The Pilgrimage was over. T. BOWYER CAMPBELL
Messenger
69: 1931
ENGLAND’S NAZARETH
It is
very desirable that the knowledge of this ancient English centre of
devotion to Our Lady of Walsingham should be more widespread in our
midst and that a Pilgrimage to it should be made at least once by
every Catholic. With this object lantern slides have been prepared
and can be hire (1d. each, carriage extra), together with a lecture
if desired. We hope that all our priest-members will make use of these
to bring the matter before their people. Those who have been always
wish to go again; and for those who at present cannot go such a description
of the history and liveliness of the village and its shrine will be
of real value in showing the actual carrying out in the present day
of the Catholic way of love and prayer.
The
Council of the League initiated a Committee, with Miss Few as Secretary,
for making a beginning of such propaganda. A successful concert, with
the aid of Mrs Neal (Miss Kathleen Cooper) and her friends, was held
in Kensington Town Hall, during which were shown some twenty of the
slides of Walsingham, and the Rev Fr R Kingdon spoke on the Pilgrimage.
We were able to hand over some £23 to the Walsingham Fund. This
fund is in desperate need, and we again appeal for help, which should
be sent as C.L. donations through Fr Fynes-Clinton. It is imperative
that the Vicar, on whom the whole work depends, should have a “living
wage.” For this and for the stipend of the Assistant Priest
we need £500 a year.
The
fifth Pilgrimage organised by the League will be again at Whitsuntide.
We start after Midday Mass and Dedication at St Magnus’ on Whit
Tuesday and return Thursday afternoon. Full particulars will be sent
on application to Miss Few, C.L. Office. We hope for an increased
number of members this year.
top of page
Messenger
70: 1931
WALSINGHAM LECTURES
In order
to promote a greater understanding and enthusiasm among Church people
in the matter of Pilgrimages and especially of that to our own beloved
Shrine of England’s Nazareth, the Walsingham Committee has initiated
a plan of Lectures illustrated with Lantern Slides. The first was
given in St Augustine’s Hall, Queen’s Gate, in April.
Two Lectures and sets of slides are available for hire, the first
on Pilgrimages in general with pictures of a large number of the greater
holy places in Europe and Palestine: the second on Walsingham. These
would be very suitable for parochial and Mary-Guild meetings, and
we hope C.L. priests will help by giving them wherever possible.
A STEP
FORWARD
Opposition to the honour given to Our Lady of Walsingham, long expected
by those who know the ways of the enemy, has been stirred up and the
Bishop has felt it incumbent on him to demand the removal of the Shrine
from the Church. This, however, is likely to lead to a great increase
of the devotion, as it is proposed to build a Chapel very close to
the ancient site on ground secure in the hands of a trust, where the
Sacred Image may rest. There, in a simple Home, constructed after
the measure of the old Shrine, it will be we may hope safe from the
vicissitudes of the abuses that may arise from future appointments,
to the Vicarage. We most heartily commend the appeal issued by Father
Hope Patten for £2,000 for the building. Donations to this and
to the general Walsingham Fund will be gratefully received by Fr Fynes-Clinton,
Chairman of the Walsingham Fund Council.
WALSINGHAM
PILGRIMAGE
The
fifth Annual Pilgrimage of the League will take place as usual on
Whit-Tuesday, returning on Thursday, under the direction of Fr Fynes-Clinton.
Our preacher will be the Very Reverend Arch-Priest Nicholas Behr,
the distinguished and loved priest at the Russian Church in London.
We hope that an effort will be made by all who can to take part in
this critical year and to show our appreciation of the fact that for
the first time a member of the glorious Martyr Church of Russia comes
to share with us in our devotion. We hope that the Archdeacon, the
Rev V Theocritoff may also come.
Our
special Intentions this year will be (a) For the triumph of Our Lady’s
cause at Walsingham; (b) for the liberation from persecution of the
Church of Russia.
Messenger
71: 1931
WEEKEND PILGRIMAGE TO WALSINGHAM
In
response to a request from Walsingham, we are arranging a Bank Holiday
Weekend Pilgrimage to the Shrine of Our Lady of Walsingham. Full particulars
on enclosed leaflet. Further copies of the Leaflet for handing to
friends will be sent on receipt of a post-card at the Office and also
posters for those who can arrange to have them displayed in Churches.
This experiment, we hope, will make the Pilgrimage possible for those
who cannot leave work during the week. Early applications are a great
assistance to the organisers and also ensure accommodation, which
the greater numbers expected may make it impossible to allocate to
late applicants.
Messenger
72: 1931
NEW SHRINE AT WALSINGHAM
It is generally known by this time that opposition to the
honour given to our Blessed Lady in her ancient and chosen home in
England has led, we may be sure by Divine Providence, to the building
of a new Chapel to house the holy Image, on ground secured under trust.
The building which is nearing completion is the same in dimensions
as the ancient one of “England’s Nazareth,” so renowned
throughout Europe and gathering for five centuries countless throngs
of the lovers of Mary. Wonderful have been the unexpected discoveries
since the choice of the site. Without question it is part of the old
Abbey grounds, even probably part of the court of Our Lady’s
“House”: the old Saxon well discovered on the site of
the new Chapel after the foundations were commenced, actually feeds
the sacred well where the Pilgrims bathed by the Abbey Church: indeed
this fact and the finding of Ancient foundations beneath the site
point to the possibility that we have the very place Our Lady first
chose for the primitive Shrine and holy springs.
The
restoration of the National Holy Place is an act of witness both in
England and throughout the world that some at least are faithful to
pure Christianity; and the blessings that will inevitably follow the
increase of devotion and prayer and be granted to Her intercession,
will bring about more surely than all our controversies and polemics
the Reformation of English religion which is the crying need of the
times. Gifts of all manner of adornments and things for use in the
Chapel and donations are asked for.
OPENING
OF THE CHAPEL
All members are asked to attend this if at all possible, October 15th.
Priests and Servers are asked to take part vested in the Pontifical
Services and Procession of Translation of the Image: and others in
veils and other insignia of Mary Guilds. A
special train is being run from Liverpool Street, London at 7.42 am
and will return in the evening. Inclusive return fare 13/-. Voucher
can be obtained from the C.L. Secretary at our office, to whom please
signify whether the following will be required: Breakfast (2/6), Dinner
(4/-) on the train: Buffet lunch (1/3), Tea (1/-) at Walsingham. The
train will stop on both journeys at Cambridge and Wymondham, (fares
in proportion). Application should be made as soon as possible enclosing
fare, and tickets can only be had before the day. Please make this
known.
Messenger
73: 1932
WALSINGHAM
The opening of the New Chapel and Shrine at Walsingham was
a wonderful occasion of joy and witness to the Faith. The League was
well represented. A full account will be found in “Ave”,
the magazine of the “Society of Mary.” Many new pilgrims
are already finding their way. Members may possibly have noticed a
very silly attack made in the Church Times upon the devotion to OL
of Walsingham but the experience of recent years shows that disapproval
by this periodical supplies an assurance of soundness in the faith
and desirability in practice. There is still a large debt upon the
Chapel and its minimum of fittings and donations however small will
be gratefully received at the C.L. Office.
The
C.L. Annual Pilgrimage will be held as usual from Whitsun Tuesday
to Thursday, unless another date be chosen in accordance with some
wishes expressed. The Secretary would be glad to hear from members
as to their preference of dates. We commend the National Pilgrimage
to be organised in connection with the Centenary of the Catholic Revival
in England, for the first week in July, 1933, as a great act of Witness
to the Faith. Please send now a PC addressed to Centenary Pilgrimage,
Walsingham Vicarage, Norfolk. Will you help? Will you endeavour to
attend?
top of page
Messenger
74: 1932
C.L. PILGRIMAGE TO WALSINGHAM
Our sixth annual Pilgrimage is arranged for Whit-Tuesday
to Thursday. The Right Reverend Bishop O'Rorke
will be our preacher, and we hope that our Russian friend, Fr Nicholas
Behr will again be our guest. As this is the first League visit to
the new Sanctuary we must try to show our thanksgiving by increasing
our numbers. It
is suggested that a Children’s Pilgrimage be held next year.
The Secretary would be glad to hear of any who might be able to come.
We commend the National Pilgrimage to be organised in connection with
the Centenary of the Catholic Revival in England, for the first week
in July 1933 as a great act of Witness to the Faith.
WALSINGHAM
LECTURES
In order to promote a greater understanding and enthusiasm among Church
people in the matter of Pilgrimages and especially of that to our
own beloved Shrine of England’s Nazareth, the Walsingham Committee
has initiated a plan of Lectures illustrated with Lantern Slides.
Two Lectures and sets of slides are available for hire, the first
on Pilgrimages in general with pictures of a large number of the greater
holy places in Europe and Palestine: the second on Walsingham. These
would be very suitable for parochial and Mary-Guild meetings, and
we hope C.L. priests will help by giving them wherever possible.
An image
of Our Lady of Walsingham, carved by Mr Martin Travers, has been erected
in the Lady Chapel of St Magnus’ the Martyr, as the Shrine for
the Fraternity de Salve Regina and a starting place for the Pilgrimages
from London.
Messenger
76: 1933
CENTENARY PILGRIMAGE TO WALSINGHAM
In the
week following the Anglo-Catholic Congress Centenary functions there
is to be a Centenary pilgrimage to the Holy House. As far as the programme
has been settled up to date it will consist of two parts. First, the
ordinary three day pilgrimage from Tuesday to Thursday, with this
exception that it is proposed to run a special train from London for
the central day, July 19th, to bring pilgrims to Walsingham in time
for the Pontifical High Mass which Bishop O'Rorke has kindly promised
to sing. This special train will leave in time to get the pilgrims
back to London in the late evening. Breakfast and Dinner will be served
en route. Apart from this, the programme will follow the ordinary
course. The second part is to consist of a weekend visit from July
22nd to either the next day or Monday, the 24th. The intention of
the pilgrimage is to return thanks to God for the revival, especially
the restoration of the Catholic teaching on the mystery of the Incarnation
and Our Lady’s part in the Divine scheme of salvation. It
is not too early to book now, and intending pilgrims should do so,
as the accommodation is very limited. Applications can be made to
the Pilgrimage Secretary, The Vicarage, Walsingham, accompanied with
the booking fee of five shillings which is not returnable.
Please
state clearly which pilgrimage you are booking for:-
(a)
The two day visit, July 18th to 20th.
(b) The day visit (by train) July 19th.
The day visit (by road, making your own arrangements), July 19th.
(c) The week end pilgrimage, July 22nd.
Cost:-
(1)
Two day pilgrimage, full board, return rail from London, etc. £2.11.0.
(2) Day pilgrimage, return rail, etc. (Excursion fare announced later).
(3) Weekend visit, full board, etc. (two nights) £2.11.0 (with
rail).
Weekend visit, full board, etc. (one night), 14/- (without rail).
Late
bookings may cost a little more, as it may entail sleeping in the
neighbouring villages, and so extra cost for transport.
The
C.L. will join with the Society of Mary in arranging the usual Pilgrimage
in May: but this is intended for those who cannot attend those in
July. A
Children’s Pilgrimage is being arranged for August. Particulars
from C.L. office.
Messenger
77: 1933
C.L. PILGRIMAGE TO O.L.O. WALSINGHAM
As
we hope that all who possibly can, will attend the National Centenary
Pilgrimage in July, we are arranging for May 30th to June 1st a joint
pilgrimage with the Society of Mary, for those unable to go in July.
Director:
The Rev H J Fynes-Clinton
Preacher: The Rev Fr Bede Frost, OSB
Cost
of the Pilgrimage:-
The
inclusive charges are – return fares from London via King’s
Cross and Fakenham, and motor thence to Walsingham, full board and
accommodation £2.11s. Pilgrims coming by other routes can obtain
accommodation tickets (for full board and lodging), price £1.8s.6d.
Tea
on the train for those coming from London, 1/- extra.
All meals, except tea on Wednesday, are taken at the Hospice of Our
Lady Star of the Sea.
Pilgrims coming to Walsingham for the first time will find the Official
Manual necessary, 1/3.
For forms of application send to C.L. Pilgrimage Secretary, C.L. Office,
11 City Road, EC1 or Pilgrimage Secretary, Walsingham Vicarage, Norfolk.
Order
of Pilgrimage
Tuesday,
May 30th
12.15
Sung Mass and Blessing of Pilgrims in the Church of St Magnus-the
Martyr, (Monument Station).
3.00 Leave King’s Cross, arriving at Fakenham Town. Motor to
Walsingham.
7.00 Arrive at Walsingham and first visit to the Sanctuary and Holy
House.
8.30 Solemn Vespers, Address and Benediction. Confession. Evening
visit to the Holy House.
Note – It is essential in order to make a good Pilgrimage to
receive Absolution and the Most Holy Sacrament.
Wednesday,
May 31st
7.00
High Mass with Holy Communion. Altars are provided for Priests from
6 o’clock onwards.
All Priests are asked to bring their own Amice, Alb, Girdle, Cotta
and Missal.
10.15 Stations of the Cross, followed by visit to S Giles and the
Slipper Chapel, at Houghton. (Invalids and elderly people desiring
cars should notify the Secretary when booking rooms.)
3.00 Intercessions and “bathing” of the sick, followed
by conducted visit to the Priory ruins and the mediæval Picenas.
Entrance 6d.
6.00 Rosary and Salve in the Holy House.
7.30 Pontifical Vespers, Sermon and Benediction. Procession to the
Holy House, (where Credo, Salve and Te Deum will be sung.)
Thursday,
June 1st
8.00
Mass with Holy Communion. Private Mass of pilgrim Priests as above.
10.30 Mass with music and last Address. Final visit to the Shrine
and blessing of the Pilgrims. Leave Walsingham.
top of page
Messenger
79: 1934
PILGRIMAGES TO OUR LADY OF WALSINGHAM
For many years the C.L. has arranged an Annual Pilgrimage
to Our Lady’s Shrine at Walsingham, and the usual three day
mid-week Pilgrimage has been the rule. Many members cannot get away
at such a time, and, moreover, the expense, £2.12s.6d has prevented
many. It has been decided, therefore, this year to arrange a weekend
Pilgrimage, and the date has been fixed for June 16th – 17th.
The long days at this time, and we hope, fine weather, should make
this a very joyous Pilgrimage, and early notice is given so that all
can book the weekend. The cost is 24/- and the journey will be made
by coach unless sufficient numbers are forthcoming to enable a special
train to be chartered. Will
all members make a special effort to come, and encourage their friends
also? It should be possible for parties to be arranged from various
Churches, and if a sufficiently large party, about 30, came from any
district, a special coach could be arranged to leave at a convenient
centre. Full
arrangements will be published in the next Messenger. We shall leave
about 2 pm on the Saturday, arriving back about 10.30pm on Sunday.
In the meantime, places can be booked at the C.L. Office or by Pilgrimage
Secretary, Walsingham, with a deposit of 2s.0d. (non-returnable).
The
Secretary would be very pleased to hear from any priests or laymen
who would be prepared to make up a party, and it has been suggested
Chapter Secretaries and others could take in weekly payments toward
the cost. Such a method is very popular with our Roman brethren, and
enables many to go to Pilgrimages and Retreats who otherwise could
not do so. The RC Pilgrimage of the unemployed to Rome was made possible
by many paying a small sum and the persons who represented them were
chosen by lot. The
League will also organise a joint Pilgrimage with the Society of Mary,
for the mid-week in June, particulars of which can be obtained from
C.L. Office.
FRIENDS
OF WALSINGHAM
Our
annual feast will be on Tuesday, January 30th, this year, as the Feast
of Our Lady of Lourdes falls on Sunday. We hope there will be a goodly
number at the Mass at 12.15 at St Magnus’, and at the gathering
to meet Fr Patten afterwards. Light luncheon will be obtainable in
the Crypt if names are sent in beforehand. The
Walsingham Fund is now faced with increased difficulty as we have
to find the stipend of an Assistant Priest, whose help is absolutely
necessary if the work is not to collapse. The village, sore-stricken
by the agricultural depression, is doing its best to raise its proportion,
while the squire and patron refuses to contribute the sum given by
his predecessor for one of the three parishes for which there is no
endowment; the position is made still more difficult by his withdrawal
of the use of the house built for the assistant priest. And it must
be remembered that the necessity of assistance is due not to the parish
work, but to the presence of streams of pilgrims and the constant
and heavy call made by them upon the overtaxed time and strength of
the parish priest, to whom we all owe so much. The
Council of the Walsingham Fund, confidently, therefore, and urgently,
appeal for annual subscriptions, however small, for this fund. Please
apply for tickets for the two concerts in aid of the Fund (see Notices)
and bring friends. The tickets are free and there will be a silver
collection.
Messenger
80: 1934
WEEKEND PILGRIMAGE TO WALSINGHAM
We
are arranging a weekend Pilgrimage this year instead of the usual
one in mid week, full details are on enclosed leaflet together with
application form for intending pilgrims. The Secretary is disappointed
that at the time of going to press more applications have not been
received, and hopes that all will seriously consider whether they
cannot take advantage of this opportunity specially arranged at lower
cost for those who owing to their work cannot go in the mid-week.
All who are working for Catholic Reunion and who also are connected
with this revived Devotion to O.L.O.W. feel more and more that there
is an intimate connection between the two. To men anything approaching
the near restoration of the Church in England to the Holy See may
seem impossible, but we are sure that the cause of Reunion is very
dear to the Heart of Our Blessed Lady, and we feel that we cannot
supplicate her too much on behalf of this great cause. Therefore we
beg all our members who long for this consummation of our work to
join us in pilgrimage to the Shrine of Her choice.
Messenger
82: 1935
FRIENDS OF WALSINGHAM
The
annual festal observance will be on Thursday, February 14th, at St
Magnus’, when Solemn Votive Mass of Our Lady will be celebrated
and the Rev A Father Mayhew, Vicar of St Cydrian’s, Clarence
Gate, will preach. After Benediction at 1.30, “Friends”
are invited to meet in the Crypt and, we hope meet Fr Hope Patten.
Light luncheon will be served. The Walsingham Fund for the Assistant
Priests’ Stipend is overdrawn and in great need; annual subscriptions,
however small, are what we chiefly want.
Messenger
83: 1935
C.L. PILRIMAGE TO OUR LADY OF WALSINGHAM
The League is organising two Pilgrimages to Walsingham this
summer. There will be our usual Whitsun Pilgrimage (Tuesday to Thursday
after Whitsun) and a weekend one, journey by coach, May 18th to 19th.
Full particulars enclosed with this Messenger. Members are again asked
to do all in their power to urge friends to join in the Pilgrimages
and thus honour Our Blessed Lady in Her National Shrine. Further leaflets
can be had from C.L. Office. It is hoped to arrange a Priests’
Pilgrimage during the summer. Those interested are asked to write
to the Pilgrimage Secretary, the Vicarage, Walsingham.
Messenger
84: 1935
PRIESTS’ PILGRIMAGE
A Pilgrimage for priests only is to be made on Monday, October
14 to October 16, with the intention of a wider revival of the Catholic
Faith and Practices in England and in our own Parishes. It is hoped
that most will be able to come by car, and those who have them or
can get the loan of one are invited to give seats to others. The Pilgrimage
programme begins at Walsingham at 7 pm Monday and ends at 9.30 am
on Wednesday. Through the very kind generosity of some friends, the
cost excluding journey will be only 10/-. We hope all our priest members
will endeavour to take part and make it known to others. 2/6 booking
fee should be sent to the Pilgrimage Secretary, the Vicarage, Walsingham,
Norfolk, who will send further particulars. State whether willing
to share room with another.
Messenger
85: 1936
PRIESTS’ PILGRIMAGE TO WALSINGHAM
The
Priests’ Pilgrimage was held from October 14th to 16th and was
well attended by about 35, half of whom had come for the first time.
The addresses were given by Father Fynes-Clinton, and the first Intention
was to seek the Divine blessing upon our parishes. It is hoped that
this will be an annual event, and those desiring to receive notices
of the next are invited to request them from the Catholic League Office.
This was succeeded by the annual meeting of the Guardians of the Holy
House of Walsingham. This is a body established for the purpose of
holding the property of the Shrine and associated works, and for assuring
the continuity of the services of the shrine, in case of a Vicar being
appointed who might not be in sympathy. Not yet full in numbers, it
is to consist of 12 priest Guardians and 12 lay, under the Master,
the present Vicar, who has been presented, as a symbol of his office,
with a most artistic hand-wrought silver cross and chain.
RESQUIESCAT
IN PACE:
Wilmot Phillips, Priest
So soon after the death of the first Director of our Sodality we mourn
the loss of Father Wilmot Phillips who, in spite of ill-health, undertook
and held the office in his place almost exactly for one year. He was
ordained priest in 1889; he worked at Brighton and at St James’s,
Edgbaston, and during the pioneer work for the Faith at St Ethelburga’s,
Bishopsgate, in the City, from 1894 to 1897, where he was in the midst
of the disgraceful Protestant opposition. After eight years at St
Philip’s, Clerkenwell, he was appointed Rector of Plaxtol, in
Kent. He had acted as Master of the Society of Holy Cross, and gave
his services ungrudgingly as Retreat Conductor as well as taking for
some years our priests’ monthly Retreats at St Magnus’.
His profound theological knowledge was of the greatest value to us
and to a wide circle of priests, and his unending cheerfulness and
lovable nature make his loss keenly felt by all his friends. A
solemn Mass of Requiem was celebrated on behalf of the League and
Sodality at St Magnus’ on October 29th.
Messenger
90: 1938
CATHOLIC LEAGUE CHAPEL AT WALSINGHAM
A member
of the League is providing for the building of one of the side chapels
as a Chantry in the new extension of the Shrine of the Holy House
of Walsingham. There are to be 15 Chapels in honour of the Mysteries
of the Rosary and this one will be of the Crucifixion. Other Chapels
are being provided by or for the Society of Our Lady of Walsingham,
the Scouts, and as Chantries. This member hopes that the League will
accept the offer that this Chapel will be regarded as the Catholic
League Chapel, where there may be celebrated Masses for the League,
and Requiems for members endowed. The League has been foremost from
the beginning in supporting the pilgrimages and wonderful work of
this National Shrine and it is fitting that we should be among those
specially taking part in thus furthering Her honour. It
is proposed by the Committee that the League should erect a statue
or picture of its Patroness, our Lady of Victory, in the Chapel, to
identify it with the League and as a sign of its devotion.
Messenger
92: 1938
THE CATHOLIC LEAGUE SHRINE AT WALSINGHAM
As already announced the donor of the Chapel of the Calvary
has permission to place in it a Statue of Our Lady of Victory as the
special shrine for the Catholic League in England’s Nazareth.
The League was second to the “League of Our Lady,” (now
the “Society of Mary,”) in organising Pilgrimages, and
has ever since arranged one or two each year. It is fitting that we
should therefore have our own Shrine there. The Society of Mary will
have as its Chapel that on the Annunciation and is providing the Altar
and Ornaments. The Calvary Chapel will have as Patrons, Our Lady and
St John, and the title of “Victory” is specially symbolic
here in telling of the Triumph of the Cross and of the Faith. There
is also, especially in France, a great devotion to O.L. of Victory
in connection with the conversion of England to the Faith, and with
individual conversions. It was for this reason that this was the title
chosen for Our Patroness. The figure preposed will be carved in wood,
and coloured; 3ft high and the estimate £32. We hope for a fine
coloured Gothic pedestal for £12: but both depend upon the response
made to this appeal for money. Will each member send something so
that we shall be adequately represented among other Catholic Societies?
JULY
PILGRIMAGE
A weekend Pilgrimage to Walsingham is arranged by the League for July
15th – 17th, specially for those who cannot go in mid-week.
A full notice is enclosed and members are asked to make it known to
others. The interest will be great this year in seeing the completed
extension of the Sanctuary.
WALSINGHAM
The dedication of the large extension of the Sanctuary with its fifteen
Chapels of the Mysteries of the Rosary will be one of the historic
events in the story of the Catholic revival: a reformation of the
Church which must remain incomplete until there be restored amongst
us a true and fervent devotion to our God bestowed Mother. Almighty
God has raised up in England in these times of grievous heresy and
apostasy a wonderful sign (that is indeed “spoken against”)
of His care and His Revelation, “the Woman clothed with the
Sun” who once appeared in the meadows of Walsingham and today
leads her children in ever increasing thousands to her House “to
show unto us the Blessed fruit of her womb, Jesus.” Under God
we all owe immeasurable thanks to the refounder of the Shrine , Father
Hope Patten, and his faithful coadjutor Father D Lingwood, and we
would offer them our warmest congratulations in their joy in seeing
the crown of their labours in the building of this lovely Shrine.
They look for their reward only in the thronging of Mary’s children
and in the constant evidence of the working of Divine Grace among
the pilgrims.
top of page
Messenger
93: 1939
THE WILMOT PHILLIPS MEMORIAL
The
Priests of the Sodality are giving furnishings for the Wilmot Phillips–Arthur
Tooth Chantry Chapel in the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Walsingham as
a Memorial and it is thought that some other members of the Catholic
League might care to be associated with them in their gift. The actual
nature of the gift will, naturally, depend on the sum received. Some
people have expressed a wish that their donation should be given to
Father Limbert, the present Rector of Plaxtol, to assist him to put
up a really fitting Memorial to Father Phillips in the Church where
he laboured so faithfully for 27 years. This Memorial consists of
beautifying the Sanctuary and replacing the temporary ornaments by
more beautiful ones, thus making permanent what Father Phillips began
to do and hoped to complete.
THE CATHOLIC LEAGUE SHRINE AT WALSINGHAM
As already announced the donor of the Chapel of the Calvary has permission
to place in it a Statue of Our Lady of Victory as the special shrine
for the Catholic League in England’s Nazareth. The League was
second to the “League of Our Lady,” (now the “Society
of Mary") in organising Pilgrimages, and has ever since arranged
one or two each year. It is fitting that we should therefore have
our own Shrine there. The Society of Mary will have as its Chapel
that of the Annunciation and is providing the Altar and Ornaments.
The Calvary Chapel will have as Patrons, Our Lady and St John, and
the title of “Victory” is specially symbolic here in telling
of the Triumph of the Cross and of the Faith. There is also, especially
in France, a great devotion to OL of Victory in connection with the
conversion of England to the Faith, and with individual conversions.
It was for this reason that this was the title chosen for Our Patroness.
The figure proposed will be carved in wood, and coloured: 3ft high
and the estimate £32. The Canonesses of Our Lady of Victory
at Edgware have given £12.10.0 for a carved and coloured Gothic
pedestal. Will each member send something so that we shall be adequately
represented among other Catholic Societies?
Messenger
97: 1940
C.L. PILGRIMAGE TO WALSINGHAM
Pilgrimages
are being maintained and we feel that the League which was the second
society to organise them should not be behindhand nor drop its annual
meed to Our Lady. It would seem best that, as the Society of Mary
makes its midweek one in August, we should again make ours in a weekend.
But in view of the difficulties of war time we must be sure of filling
a coach, which would start about 2 pm on Saturday and return Sunday
evening. Total charge would be about £1.2.0. Will therefore
those who desire to join in this for August the 31st, write at once
to the Pilgrimage Secretary, St Magnus’ Vestry, Lower Thames
Street, EC3. They will be notified as soon as possible whether the
coach can be filled.
The
Society of Mary has given a most beautiful Retable for its Altar,
that of the Annunciation: a replica of a Della Robbia in baroque frame,
gold and colour, of the First Mystery. This makes a very striking
introduction to the series of the Chapels in the XV Mysteries.
Messenger
99: 1941
OUR LADY OF WALSINGHAM
What
of the Shrine in these days of Stress? I have visited it twice lately:
In May for the Installation of Fr Twisaday as Guardian in place of
Fr Deakin, who to the great regret of all has resigned for ill health;
and for other business. Then for the Annual Chapter of the Guardians,
who supervise all the accounts and had grave problems to discuss.
All is peaceful, beautiful and unscathed. But beneath there is the
canker of financial anxiety. Pilgrims and visitors have almost disappeared,
while the main expenses of upkeep, wages and the Clergy Fund remain
to be satisfied.
Briefly the position of (a) of the Clergy Fund is that we owe for:
Overdraft at the Bank £ 58
Bank Loan £ 35
To Secretary and others £ 70
total £163
Our Liabilities are yearly £280
(b) of the Shrine Fund:
Overdraft at the Bank £170
Needed annually for Building Fund, rents, etc £200
For the Children’s Home £460
Most unwillingly we are obliged to beg for help from those already
so heavily taxed and finding expenses and calls increasing on every
side, yet all will agree that for the future of the Church in the
land, for the conversion of England and for the honour of Mary, the
Shrine of Her Holy House must be maintained “in being”
as a centre of faith, prayer and spiritual power. For annual subscriptions,
even the smallest, we are specially grateful and they can be sent
to Fr Fynes-Clinton.
The
twelve children, rescued from the persecution at St Hilary, are by
the generosity of Fr Patten lodged, for economy and for the safety
of the basement at nights, in the Vicarage. They are so happy, they
have such an opportunity! Can we let them down?
“SPIRITUAL
PILGRIMAGE”
Pilgrimages to Walsingham, as a closed area, being for the present
impossible, the League, as last year, organised with the Society of
Mary a “Spiritual” one, that is a visit to a Shrine with
the same intention of honouring God and His Blessed Mother, Our Lady
of Walsingham. On Saturday, June 7th, about 60 gathered at St Stephen’s,
Gloucester Road, by the kind invitation of Fr Cheetham, who gave an
address on “Our Lady by the Wayside.” Fr Fynes-Clinton,
as Conductor, gave as Intentions Victory, Conversion of England, and
the safety of and blessing on the Holy House. Litany BVM of entry
to the beautifully Shrine, Mass, Stations, Intercessions, drinking
of Walsingham waters, Vespers, Benediction, tea: these gave us a reflection
of the loved village in Norfolk and revived such happy memories. The
next day there was another pilgrimage at St Colomb’s, Notting
Hill: and there is to be one at St Thomas’, Action Green, W12
on Saturday, July 12th. Any able to attend should send PC to Fr R
E Young, there.
Let
us all look forward to the National Peace Pilgrimage on – 194--!
|