Mary's Magnificat!

The image of Our Lady of Walsingham, usually to be found in the Holy House at the Anglican Shrine of Our Lady of Walsingham is going, "on the road" nationwide, to visit a range of secular places including a prison, a shopping centre, a school, an airport and a hospital.

"Magnificat 2004" is the title of the pilgrimage which will see the image of Mary travel hundreds of miles across England and Wales during which the response of joy and salvation by Mary to God at the Annunciation will be communicated in new places.

"I hope that the "Magnificat" programme will be an inspiration to many, and will encourage local churches in their own evangelistic ministry," said Father Philip North, Administrator of the Shrine.

Magnificat begins in Norwich, the City closest to the Shrine - on St.George's Day - Friday 23rd April.

Mary will then travel over the next 12 days as far afield as Aldershot, Gatwick, South London, Cardiff, Wolverhampton, Skipton, Leeds and Oxford.

The programme comes to a spectacular conclusion on Saturday 8th May (12noon) at a Celebration Service in York Minster led by the Archbishop of York, Dr.David Hope.

A local organiser in each location is producing a programme special to that particular venue.

"There will be talks, assemblies, vigils, lectures, services, symposiums - just about every kind of debate and activity possible - all urging people to consider how Mary's message can be understood in many different situations in the 21st century - for the Magnificat is a song for today," added Father North.

Interviews for local media can be arranged with organisers.

ENDS.

For further information

please contact the Revd Rob Marshall

in the Shrine's Media Office

on 01274-599622

robmarshall:aol.com

http://www.walsingham.org.uk