Marian shrines unite for pilgrimage of peace

A NATIONAL PILGRIMAGE of reparation and consecration will unite the Marian shrines of England, Wales, Scotland and Ireland this month.
The Marian shrines of Walsingham, Carfin, Cardigan, Pantasaph and West Grinstead held their individual pilgrimages last Saturday.
Pilgrims in Middlesbrough will unite at the Shrine of Our Lady of
Mount Grace, Osmotherley this Sunday. Local organiser Marie Bedingfield said pilgrims should meet at 12 noon at the Anglican church of St Peter before processing to the shrine. The Osmotherley pilgrimage will be led this year by Dom Piers Grant Ferris OSB.
Mrs Bedingfield said the aim was to unite the nation in prayer. She said: "This year's intention is to pray for reconciliation in the Church, in marriage and in family life and in special intention for priests' sanctification, conversion, healing and renewal."
The idea for a national day of prayer to unite the Marian shrines came from Antonia Moffet who now lives in Walsingham.
Mrs Moffet organised the first pilgrimage in Walsingham in 1994. The event was so successful that she decided to seek the involvement of other shrines across the country.
"We have many Marian shrines in this country. Some are active, some aren't. This move is to encourage local devotion. Not everyone can come to Walsingham."
She continued: "I'm part of a wider movement to encourage people to go on pilgrimage to their local shrines." The inspiration for this year's theme came from Pope John Paul II.
"Prior to the Jubilee Year, the Holy Father called for the purification of memory, for the Church to repent for all our sins and the sins of the Church over the last millennium," said Mrs Moffet.
"Before we can make big acts on behalf of other people we have to look into our own hearts."
There are many shriies in England and Wales vhich have fallen out of list and the pilgrimage organsers are keen to encoura:e a return to local devoion.
Anyone interested in being part of next yetr's pilgrimage should conact Antonia Moffet direct on 01328 821124 for dettils on how to be involved.