Walsingham Reunion & Pilgrimage

On the 16th March a group of about 36 from the Walsall Deanery came to St John's, Washingborough, for a Walsingham Reunion. Members of the Washingborough Group of Churches and members of the Walsall Deanery meet each year at the end of September at the Shrine of Our Lady of Walsingham, for a weekend of reflection and pilgrimage.

Saturday was an extra opportunity for those members from both the Washingborough Group and the Walsall Deanery to meet up in fellowship.

The day started at about 11:00am when the Walsall contingency arrived at St John's by coach. Some of the congregation had prepared an excellent buffet for our enjoyment including hot soup, tea and coffee and an assortment of savoury items and cake.

Later on in the day we all used the coach to visit Lincoln Cathedral where we had a pilgrimage tour of the Cathedral, finishing at the shrine and icon of the Virgin Mary.

Afterwards we returned to St John's for a Pilgrim Mass, including copious amounts of incense. Members from both congregation participated in the service, by reading the lesson, bringing up the elements and serving at the altar.

Here are some pictures. Click on a picture or the description to see a larger version.