Saturday 5th of July 2025 was the day of our annual Marist pilgrimage to Walsingham. The tennis at Wimbledon was left behind and the recent heat wave was put on hold as we made our way to the National Shrine of Our Lady: by coach and by car from various parts of England, in time for the opening Concelebrated Mass.
As we all gathered in the Chapel of Reconciliation, memories were stirred of previous Marists who had been directors of the shrine, especially of Clive Birch greatly instrumental in its building. But we have moved on and this was clearly put by Kevin Duffy in his inclusive homily as he welcomed us all, Marists and non Marists, to the celebration. Reminding us of Mary our mother who hears all our prayers.
As we have found annually, our meals together in the garden is an ideal time to catch up with friends from the various Marist houses throughout England and others who keep this a date in their calendar.
One of the focal points of the day, the Holy Mile walk into the village of Walsingham, was ably organised by Noel Wynn before we all gathered in the Parish Church for our Evening Prayer: this year enhanced by the renewed commitment to the lay branch of the Society of Mary by a member from Manchester.
The traditional strawberry cream teas proved a fitting end, as most of us made our way home, after yet another very successful Marist Day together in Walsingham.
Peter Corcoran, sm
