2006 marks the 75th anniversary of the restoration of the Holy House of the Anglican Shrine of Our Lady of  Walsingham and a year - long series of celebrations is being planned. The theme throughout the year will be the Shrine's motto 'House of God, Gate of Heaven.

 
All of the many events to be held throughout 2006 (including the National, Youth, Children's and Family pilgrimages) will offer thanksgiving for the 75 years and a national series of study days has been organised across England and Wales exploring the theme 'Sacred Space.' London, Cardiff, Preston and Durham are the chosen venues for these special days which have attracted excellent contributors.
 
To mark the actual week (October 15th 1931) when the image of Our Lady of Walsingham was carried from the Parish Church in Walsingham into the newly - built Holy House, there will be a week of exciting celebrations in Walsingham itself including a Pageant of Flowers, an Ecumenical Service and a Celebration Mass on October 14th.
 
To coincide with the anniversary, a ?2m appeal has been launched to build and develop a Shrine ready for the next 75 years. The appeal, which was launched last year, is aimed at enhancing and improving the experience of the ever-increasing number of people of all ages now visiting the Shrine throughout the year.
 
'2006 will be a year of rejoicing and thanksgiving as we celebrate the 75th anniversary of that restoration. 'House of God, Gate of Heaven will be the theme of the 2006 season as we give thanks that Walsingham is indeed a place where we can glimpse the life of heaven,' said Father Philip North, Administrator, this week.
 
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Notes for Editors
More on the history of the Shrine can be found on the Shrine's website, www.walsingham.org.uk

Walsingham, known as England's Nazareth, was voted England's favourite spiritual place in a poll of BBC Radio 4 Listeners last year.