News & Events - 2026 Parish Pilgrimage to Walsingham

May 2026

The Anglican Shrine Church of Our Lady of Walsingham

This year's parish pilgrimage to the Shrine of Our Lady of Walsingham brought together 11 pilgrims from St Matthew's for several days of prayer, worship, fellowship and reflection in England's Nazareth. Michael, the only member of the group visiting Walsingham for the first time, reflects on his experience:

“While I was the only member of our group visiting Walsingham for the first time, I felt fortunate to be travelling alongside those so familiar with the Shrine. Whether sharing its history, recounting memories and traditions, or simply pointing out details that might otherwise have gone unnoticed, I was never short of a guide, and for that I am very grateful. It was also great to learn that, despite his many previous visits to Walsingham, this was Father Nicholas Gandy's first time making the journey as part of a parish pilgrimage. I hope we managed not to let him down!

The journey began on the morning of 18 May with Mass in the Lady Chapel at St Matthew's, celebrated by Fr Nicholas, followed by the Blessing of Pilgrims before the 11 of us departed in four cars towards the Slipper Chapel, with a welcome stop for lunch in Wisbech along the way.

Upon arriving at the Slipper Chapel, dedicated to St Catherine of Alexandria, there was a great sense of arrival, and not just because those of us who had been driving were beginning to feel the journey. We learned that for centuries it has welcomed pilgrims making their way to England's Nazareth, serving as the traditional starting point for the final stage of the journey into Walsingham. We also discovered that the chapel takes its familiar name from the custom of pilgrims removing their shoes before walking the final Holy Mile barefoot. While our group continued the short distance by car to our destination at the Anglican Shrine, it was difficult not to reflect on the generations of pilgrims who had made that same journey before us.

Having checked into our accommodation, we made our way to the Shrine Church for our first visit to the Holy House. Earlier in the day, Fr Nicholas had remarked to me, “It's a house within a house, in a sense… but you'll see.” Being unfamiliar with the layout of Walsingham, I was intrigued to discover what he meant. It soon became clear: the reconstructed Holy House stands within the Shrine Church itself, preserving the tradition of the original Holy House and the devotion that made Walsingham such an important place of pilgrimage. It really is something that needs to be experienced firsthand. Throughout the week we returned there often, including to pray for the intentions entrusted to us by members of St Matthew's. It was therefore especially fitting that, just as our pilgrimage began with our First Visit, it would conclude with Mass in the Holy House and the Last Visit before we made our journey home. The evening concluded with supper, Evening Prayer and, of course, fellowship in Norton's Bar.

As the days unfolded, we quickly settled into the rhythm of pilgrimage. Morning Prayer in the Barn Chapel was mentioned by many as a particular highlight, with our parish naturally finding a shared tone and cadence as we prayed the psalms together and took our turn in the readings. Evening Prayer in the Shrine Church offered a rather different experience. Its pace and liturgical structure took some getting used to, particularly for those of us less familiar with it, but it nevertheless provided an opportunity to join with the wider Shrine community in prayer.

One afternoon, we visited the Priory, where Sister Carol and Sister Angela of the Society of St Margaret welcomed us. Sister Carol showed us their chapel and spoke about the daily rhythm of prayer and service that shapes their community life, both within the Shrine and in the wider local area, offering great insight into their vocation and ministry. We were also pleased to meet another currently discerning a vocation with the community, a comforting reminder that religious life continues to inspire new generations. Some of the group were equally fortunate to spend time with Brother Simeon, a Franciscan friar from Glasshampton Monastery. His generosity in sharing his own story of discernment and religious life led to some meaningful conversations during our stay.

Alongside the worship and daily offices, there was time to explore the surrounding area. At Fr Gandy's suggestion, some of us visited Blickling Hall, enjoying its remarkable collections of art, manuscripts and books, Jacobean architecture and beautiful grounds. Dave, Gary and I also found ourselves drawn to the RAF exhibition, which proved to be a particular highlight. Others spent the afternoon exploring the village, taking a ride on the local heritage railway or simply enjoying a quieter pace. Shared meals, conversations over coffee and evenings together strengthened friendships and added to the joy of the pilgrimage.

Among the most memorable moments were the Service of Sprinkling at the Well, Benediction and the Healing Ministries, together with walking the Stations of the Cross through the peaceful Shrine grounds. Steve and I were privileged to serve as acolytes during the procession alongside pilgrims from Cheltenham who carried the image of Our Lady. It was also great to see Fr Nicholas, Fr Gandy and Dave taking active roles in the liturgies alongside Fr Ben, Fr Graham and the Shrine servers, making the occasion a real collaboration between our parish and the wider Shrine community.

For me personally, one especially unexpected blessing came during the Pilgrim Mass, where I was received into the Society of Our Lady of Walsingham by Fr Ben. I understand this was the first time such a welcome had taken place during the Pilgrim Mass itself and something the Shrine is hoping to continue to do. My only advice to future recipients would be to not hastily pin your Society badge onto your jacket before it has been blessed. Believe me, they are far more securely attached than you might expect!

Looking back, I left Walsingham with a strong sense of gratitude. I found peace, discovered a renewed rhythm of worship, returned home with friendships strengthened within our parish community, and gained a deeper appreciation for England's Nazareth and its place in our spiritual heritage. If you have ever considered joining the parish pilgrimage but were unsure what to expect, I would very much encourage you to come along. You may arrive with curiosity and questions, but I suspect you will leave with lasting memories and a desire to return.”

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