Annual Pilgrimage to Our Lady of Walsingham, Saturday, 19 September 2026

We can now look back on a very beautiful and blessed Pilgrimage!

The day started with the Divine Liturgy, celebrated by Fr Julian Sadowski, from the St John the Theologian Parish in Norwich.

After the Liturgy we went to the Pilgrim Hall, where a very big table was prepared for, what turned out to be a delicious, bring & share picnic lunch.

Feeling refreshed and strengthened we set out for the Roman Catholic Shrine of Our Lady of Walsingham at Houghton-St Giles, the starting point of the Cross Procession.

The plan was to go there by the local bus, however, the bus driver informed us that there had been a last minute service update, and buses were not calling at Houghton-St Giles, because of a huge pilgrimage taking place at the RC Shrine. So we all, joyfully, walked there instead!

We started the Cross Procession with the Trisagion prayers and were asked to pray especially for Christians who are persecuted for their Faith.

The “Holy God” and “Most-Holy Mother of God save us” both in English and Slavonic resounded more or less throughout the Procession, and the “Our Father” at intervals.

Father Julian was waiting for us at St Seraphim’s Pilgrim Chapel (converted Railway Station), and we continued to descent to the High Street, with a pause at Mother Melangell’s Skete, and proceeded to the Anglican Shrine entering the grounds through the Brandie Gate.

Father Julian served the Moleben to the Mother of God of Walsingham in the Holy House, and everybody joined in for the singing of the Akathist.

Afterwards refreshments were served in the Pilgrim Hall and we said our Farewells!

We were sorry that Fr Mark, who has served the Moleben on many previous pilgrimages, and Matushka Elizabeth, from the Joy of All Who Sorrow Parish in Mettingham, could not be with us this time, as they were away on a family break. However, we hope that they will be able to join us again next year!

Many, many thanks to so many helping hands: especially to Mary & Peter, and Amanda from the Transfiguration Parish in Great Walsingham, Kristina & Alan, and Patricia & Andrew from the Alexander Nevsky Parish in Norwich, which formed such a marvellous support team.

 

We are looking forward to seeing you all Next Year in greater numbers, God Willing!

Photoalbum

Glory to God and Most Holy Mother of God save us!!