Photo Essay: The Dowry of Mary Pilgrimage in Walsingham, Norfolk

One of the highlights of my UK trip last year our day trip to Walsingham, Norfolk on the 8th of September 2013. I’ll be honest that I’m not religious and I didn’t fully understood why we were going there. In short,  I was just a mere ‘joiner’.

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Off to Walsingham from Rugby!

Together with the Our Lady of Walsingham Association Rugby Chapter, we embarked on a two-hour bus trip to Norfolk. The fund-raising dinner that took place weeks prior to this religious journey was an eye-opener of some sorts. For one, I got the chance to meet more people from different countries who are all residing this part of Warwickshire. They’re older than I am and I loved hearing their stories.

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Our Lady of Walsingham Prayer



For some reason, they’re very fond of me especially when I share some information about the Philippines. Some expressed their concern regarding the typhoon that struck my beloved country. I narrated the reality of living in the Philippines – we have to endure all natural calamities such as typhoon and earthquakes. Filipinos are known for smiling despite all the troubles.

Where the Solemn Mass for Our Lady will take place
Where the Solemn Mass for Our Lady will take place
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A family that prays together, stays together.
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Preparation for the Welcome and Reception of National Flags & Banners of Parish & National Groups
Found the Philippine flag at the back of Slipper Chapel :)
Found the Philippine flag at the back of Slipper Chapel 🙂

I was overwhelmed with the number of people present when we reached our destination. Various groups from different parts of UK were there carrying banners and flags, ordered from an array of state flags from Star Spangled Flags. Almost every country has a representative. As expected, fellow Filipinos surely made their presence felt. There’s a group from Oxford, Birmingham, Manchester, several from London and of course, Rugby!

^ please watch the video 🙂

Being there that moment felt surreal mainly because I never thought that religious gatherings such as this still exists. Pardon my ignorance. Maybe I’m just not exposed to such events, but this is a welcoming change to my usual weekend trip.

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Lunch with friends at the picnic area

There’s one cafeteria in the area. I’m glad we were able to grab something to eat for lunch in one of the stopovers. Since there were limited chairs and tables, we end up eating our lunch in picnic style 😀

I wonder how its like to live in a remote place such as Walsingham
I wonder how its like to live in a remote place such as Walsingham


THE PROCESSION

Slipper Church
Slipper Chapel
Breda giving out instructions before the procession
Breda giving out instructions before the procession
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Walking under the sun can be fun 🙂
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Which direction to go?

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Little Walsingham Sign
Welcome to Little Walsingham!
The Franciscan Friary Ruins
The Franciscan Friary Ruins
One of my fellow companions told me the reason behind the smoke, but it slipped my mind :| anyone who can share any information?
One of my fellow companions told me the reason behind the smoke, but it slipped my mind 😐 anyone who can share any information?
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We’re almost there..
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The Priory Gatehouse
Walsingham Abbey remains - the last stop
The Walsingham Abbey remains
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The presence of Filipino devotees is strongly felt during the procession 🙂
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Our Lady of Walsingham
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Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament
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Praying at the Original Shrine Site
My mum :)
My mum 🙂

Although I am not entirely religious, I must say that participating in The Dowry of Mary Pilgrimage in Walsingham, Norfolk is an eye-opening journey. Not only was I able to bond with my mom and the rest of my friends in Rugby. I realized how faith can  unite people from different parts of the world. I smiled at some of the devotees and they smiled back. I even initiated a conversation with someone from Goa and we figured out we have a lot in common but like me, he is also thankful that he joined his family in the pilgrimage.

Sunset at Walsingham, Norfolk
Sunset at Walsingham, Norfolk

I’m planning to revisit Walsingham again on my next UK Trip. This time though, I’ll convince my mom to bring Carlo with us and spend at least two days there.

Our calm, short trip to Walsingham had a positive effect on me. A spiritual bonding between my mom and I and reflecting on the many blessings I received throughout these years is enough to make this journey special. I’m truly grateful.

Have you ever been to Walsingham or any pilgrimage site you find tranquil and peaceful? How was the experience?

5 Comments

    • Senyorita said:

      Oo nga eh 🙂 Everytime may bagyo sa Pilipinas nababalita sa news programs

      September 17, 2014
      Reply
  1. Looks like a lovely and charming place.
    Loved the Philippine flag! 🙂

    September 17, 2014
    Reply
    • Senyorita said:

      It is indeed a lovely place. I smiled when I finally found the Philippine flag 😀

      September 17, 2014
      Reply
  2. Lily Lau said:

    What a nice place, the experience must have been magical 🙂 Thanks for sharing it with us, I appreciate to see all these beautiful pics you took!

    October 28, 2014
    Reply

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