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 The
year the sun shone on Walsingham for this amazing
pilgrimage!!
And the first with Bishop Lindsay as our leader/shrine
administrator, (although he’s no stranger to sleeping under
canvas at this event having done so several times in recent
years!). Regular pilgrims to this annual camp will know that
the North Norfolk coast can get its share of Summer rain
(and mammoth, freaky hailstones as witnessed in 2008’s
event!) BUT this year the weather was great!
 Around
eight hundred pilgrims ‘pitched up’ on site during 3rd
August all set to begin an exciting journey through
the Bible. That was our theme this year. Each day
different aspects of this exciting book were revealed
through challenging Bible studies led by Bishop Lindsay,
powerful dramas, dance and electrifying music and song from
Jo Boyce, Mike Stanley and their band CJM MUSIC (they just
get better and better!!).
The
pilgrimage opened with the dramatic entry of the WORD
as the Bible was enthroned on high on
top of a high tower that erupted in a cascading water fall
below it. THE WORD, living water of life, freely flowing
for all to receive. What a sight! By the end of the
week every pilgrim was jiving ‘rock’n’roll’ style through
the books of the Bible accompanied by the ‘Big-book-Bible
Bop. No excuse now for not knowing what order they come in!
 ‘I’ve
never experienced Masses like it!’
‘The
atmosphere was fantastic’
‘I just had
the most amazing time and can’t wait for next year!’
These are
just a few of comments from pilgrims at the end of each
daily Mass.
LOVE was the
theme
on Wednesday
as Valentines Day fever hit the campsite early in the
morning with the biggest delivery of Valentines cards ever
seen. Each pilgrim received one, personally delivered to
their tent by our special team of post-people! Then during
our liturgies we explored the greatest love of all given to
all through the death and resurrection of Jesus the ‘word
made flesh’. This culminated in a powerful all night vigil
before the Blessed Sacrament that shone out on a high
ziggurat. All through the night young people and their
leaders offered their prayers through song, scripture,
candles, creative prayer crosses, reconciliation and healing
ministries and more. It was incredibly moving to see the
commitment and devotion shown by so many young people.
There are
too many highlights of the week to mention…..outdoor
fun mid week with rodeo bull rides,
a high climbing wall challenge, Brazilian martial arts and
lots more! PLUS a staggering silent procession on Tuesday
night – an awesome sight.
Budding
stars got their chance to entertain in our Karaoke evening
and disco plus the big BBQ …how do they
cook those burgers for 800 so quickly?!! Thanks to Pat
and her catering team from the shrine for a great evening.
Huge thanks also to Iain Parks, Fr Wealands Bell, Fr Simon
Rundell (and Lou x), Fr Peter Anthony and the ‘Affinity
Events’ team for managing and putting together everything!
 How
do we tell you how good it was?? WE CAN’T!! YOU have to come
next year and experience it for yourself.
Yes, there’s
the technology, the big screen, the fab band etc etc…BUT
it’s the pilgrims who really make it all happen. It’ about
worshipping and praying together as a community ‘together’
that week. Watch this space for 2010 dates, they’ll
be announced soon.
Janet
Marshall, Education Officer
More Photographs below. Visit the
Shrine Photo Gallery to see the full range of amazing
photos taken in 2009.
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