COVID-19 Update
With the Government's planned easing of restrictions the Shrine hopes to re-open for Day Pilgrimages from 21st June 2021. Covid restrictions permitting the Shrine's Saturday pilgrimage programme will be available once a month on the dates below.
Day Pilgrimages
If you are unable to come and stay with us residentially, you can also book a Day Pilgrimage.
Although the organised programme of services for Day Pilgrims (see below) is only available once a month on Saturdays, the Shrine welcomes Day Pilgrimage groups at anytime and on any day during the week. Many parishes within a comfortable distance of Walsingham like to combine a day visit with a Parish Conference or similar. The Orangery makes an ideal meeting room and can be booked through the Hospitality Department.
2021 Saturday Pilgrimage Dates
Saturday 26th June 2021
Saturday 17th July 2021
Saturday 21st August 2021
Saturday 18th September 2021
Saturday 9th October 2021
Saturday Day Pilgrimage Timetable
12.00 noon Pilgrimage Mass
2.30 pm Sprinkling
4.00 pm Benediction and Last Visit
The second area of planning input is the worship that a group will organise for itself. This may include The First Visit, Stations of the Cross, Intercessions in the Holy House and a visit to the Roman Catholic National Shrine of Our Lady.
Accompanying priests are invited to hold services for their group in the Holy House/Shrine Church or in the Barn Chapel. By prior arrangement the Shrine clergy will, if possible, provide services for those groups which do not have an accompanying priest. During the season (Easter - end of October) Sprinkling at the Well takes place everyday at 2.30 pm.
Please contact and discuss with the Sacristans (email: sacristy@olw-shrine.org.uk; tel: 01328 824202) any special liturgical requirements you might have.
Booking
There is a limit to the number of pilgrims the Shrine can properly accommodate on any one day. Please check with the Hospitality Department that there is availability for the day you would like to visit. Any of the team can offer you help and advice.
email: accom@olw-shrine.org.uk
tel: 01328 820239
You are very welcome to picnic in the Shrine gardens - or, if the weather is inclement, in the Orangery.
Meals in the Refectory must be pre-booked, but light lunches and drinks can be obtained in the Norton Café Bar which is situated under the main Refectory.
It is helpful for us to know whether your group would like the set lunch/supper in the Refectory, or prefers to use the Norton’s Café Bar facilities, intends to picnic in the Shrine grounds, or to book the Orangery - or indeed, a mixture of all options!
Grants towards the cost of pilgrimage are available from the St John’s Guild for those registered with a sight impairment and their carers. Click here to find out more.
Before you leave - Preparing your People for Pilgrimage
Parish priests should give careful thought to how pilgrims will be prepared spiritually and practically for the experience. Some parishes will organise a meeting before departure for pilgrims, others will celebrate the Mass or provide an opportunity for confessions. Pilgrims should certainly be encouraged to think of a particular intention for prayer for their pilgrimage and those unable to come should know that their needs and thanksgivings will be offered in prayer.