My pilgrimage was somewhat of an unexpected journey. I was asked on the Saturday if I’d like to join as a lady was unable to attend, so I had just two days to prepare.

Monday was cold but clear as I boarded the bus in Workington. Though initially
nervous, seeing the other eleven familiar pilgrims and praying a joyful decade of the Rosary after each pick-up stop helped me feel calm.

When we arrived at Elm House in Walsingham, we received our rooms and attended Mass at the Church of the Annunciation, noted for its serene beauty and stained-glass window. After eating, we returned for Exposition and prayers, with the hymn “Go tell everyone the news that God's kingdom has come” stuck in my head.

We began Tuesday with silent prayers and exposition, followed by morning prayers. Later, we walked the Holy Mile to the Slipper Chapel, praying the Rosary as Fr Augustine carried the statue upon his head. At noon, we attended Mass in the Reconciliation Chapel; some stayed for The Divine Mercy Chaplet and Benediction. I was grateful to finally be able to go to Confession with Bishop Swarbrick, this brought me to tears of joy. In the evening, the Bishop encouraged us to offer our problems to God during his talk.

On Wednesday a few pilgrims began the Great Glasses Hunt because Pat had lost her's the previous day; our coach driver was quite puzzled as people were crawling around the bus searching for them. We later attended Mass at Oxburgh Hall, a notable moated mansion. During the service, a robin briefly perched next to Bridie and her scooter. Afterwards we toured the hall and had a chance to look inside the Priest Hole. I also visited the Anglican Centre, which was even more beautiful and ornate than I had expected. In the village, Pat announced that the Great Glasses Hunt was finally over—she’d found them in the sacristy at the Reconciliation Chapel. We attended Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament again and participated in a Reconciliation Service followed by a torchlight walk to the Garden Shrine of Our Lady of Walsingham. Mel felt very close to Our Blessed Mother. Afterwards, our be-scootered mischievous elf spirited Fr Nithin away for a drink at the pub, sharing some Cumbrian dialect much to his bemusement!

On Thursday, we visited the Abbey in Walsingham, the site of the Holy House. This was built by the Norman noblewoman Richeldis de Faverches after she had a vision of Our Lady in 1061, during which she was instructed to construct an exact replica of Mary’s home in Nazareth.

Afterwards, we went back to the Reconciliation Chapel for Mass, followed by tea and cakes enjoyed by several in our group. Later, many of us toured the Old Jail in Walsingham—thankfully, everyone left without incident!

Friday we had to return home.

I believe this pilgrimage was meant for me, especially with the hymn 'Go Tell Everyone' constantly in my mind—I feel compelled to share my experience. Through our clergy, I rediscovered:

• The Holy Spirit gave Mother Mary the courage at the Annunciation to say the
  perfect Yes, making God’s plan possible.

• God is living, kind, gentle, and forgiving.

• His arms are always open, waiting for us to welcome him.

• Participating in a pilgrimage is a blessing—religious, peaceful, enjoyable, fun
  and uplifting.
  

Looking forward to next time!