The Walk, And Other Pilgrimages
The Tyburn Walk this year was blessed with ideal weather; a bright sun and a cool atmosphere that made the long march seem less laborious than usual. It was remarked that the singing was better than ever, with more spirit in it, and that the Rosary seemed to be said with more life than usual. This may have been due also to the cheerful Spring day.
Though perhaps the total number was not so great as it has sometimes been, it was pleasant to see that a greater number began at the start at Gillspur Street and went the whole route. Pilgrims came from Hull, Derby, Leicester, Peterborough and .airbilon. When groups can face such long journeys in order to take part in this very solid act of devotion to the Martyrs, we Londoners ought to sec to it that our proportion is far larger than it is.
The new route given to us last year was followed again this year. and will probably rentain as the recognised route for the walk. It is certainly a far better route than the old one for the devotions, and though a little bit longer, does not take any snore time, since we still arrive al Tyburn at five o'clock.
York
There are two pilgrimages this month. York is too far for Londoners to take part in, unless they travel all night or go the day before and sleep the night in York. Whit Tuesday is its day according to long tradition, and pilgrims come from the towns around.
The Bishop of Middlesbrough will sing the Mass in the ruins of York Abbey at 10.30 after which a procession will be made to the Shambles past the House of Blessed Margaret Clitheroe and then to the Tomb of St. William Of York in the Minster. In the afternoon the pilgrims will be able to venerate the relics of the English Martyrs in the historic Bar Convent and then go to the new Church of the English Martyrs, near the Knavesmire where many or them suffered, for Benediction and a sermon by the Rev. Dr. Dian of Leeds seminary.
King's Lynn The other pilgrimage this month is on Thursday in Whit week to the Shrine of Our Lady of Walsingham at King's 1 ynn. This also is of long standing tradition, this year's being the forty-first annual pilgrimage. London Catholics can easily take part in this pilgrimage as they can leave Liverpool Street at 8.30 a.m. and be in time for the pilgrimage .High Mass at 11.30 a.m. and join the procession afterwards, escorting the statue of Our Lady of Walsingham to the Red Mount Chapel for devotions there, aid returning to the church for Benediction. The sermon this year will be preached by Fr. Desmond Fitzgerald, C.S.S.R.
This used to be Fr. Fletcher's favourite pilgrimage; it certainly has a character and a beauty all its own. King's Lynn retains much of its old-world charm. It was the port where pilgrims from abroad landed in order to go to Walsingham, and the Red Mount Chapel is the place where they made their first devotions on English soil.
After the pilgrimage there is plenty of time to attend to the wants of the inner man (there are very good hotels and cafes) and to visit the pre-reformation buildings of St. Margaret's church, twelfth century; of St. Nicholas, for the crectipn of which the Pope issued a Bull in 1374; the Carmelite church of All Saints, and all that is left of the Franciscan friary founded in the twelfth century, the fine old tower of St. James's church, before catching the 5.31 train which gels to London at 8.21.
The return fare is 16s. 6d., but if a sufficient number of people notify the Catholic Association in good time a special cheap day return fare of 12s. 3d, could be arranged.
Those who can join this pilgrimage will come home feeling that they have had a day well spent and full of enjoyment.
Rome•
By a regrettable oversight in our "Notes " of April 30, the name of the Bishop of Menevia was omitted from the list of .Bishops who have promised to accompany the Guild's golden jubilee pilgrimage of Thanksgiving to Rome (October 5 to 15). We apalogise to his Lordship and to our friends in Wales for this ommission.
With both theArehbishap of Cardiff and the Bishop of Menevia taking part in the pilgrimage, we hope to see a.good contingent of pilgrims from the Principality. Full details can be obtained from .the Catholic Association. 6, Buckingham Street, Strand, London, W.C.2, and intending pilgrims should notify the Association as soon as .poasible.