Father Philip North, Administrator of the Shrine of Our Lady of Walsingham, outlines plans to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the current Holy House in a new edition of the Walsingham Review published today.

He also gives details of the ?2m anniversary appeal aimed at enriching the visitor experience at the Shrine. The Shrine is marking the anniversary by making exciting plans to make sure that Walsingham is " a spiritual resource for everyone". Father North stresses that we "live in a desperately thirsty world." He adds:"People are searching for something which will make sense of their lives, for healing, for forgiveness, for love."

2006 marks the 75th anniversary of the translation of the image of Our Lady of Walsingham from the village Parish Church to the then newly-built Holy House. There will be special anniversary events throughout the year including a series of study days in Preston, Cardiff, Durham and London.

But the Review also stresses the importance of the ?2m appeal aimed at matching people's increasing expectations when they visit Walsingham. It was launched last week by the Bishop of Horsham, Rt.Revd Lindsay Urwin, who flew over the Shrine in a hot air balloon with a group of young pilgrims to celebrate plans to enrich the visitor experience.

The aim is to provide a place where visitors can learn about the Shrine, upgraded accommodation as well as a new Accommodation Office and Reception area.

The Walsingham Review is distributed across the country twice a year.

For further information please contact
Fr Rob Marshall
on 07785 767594
in the Shrine Media Office (24 hours)
www.walsingham.org.uk