Packed Minster explores sacred space
The role and significance of Mary in public and private worship and in journeying on pilgrimage has a long and varied history - Professor Eamon Duffy, who is based at Cambridge University, said in a lecture in Preston.
Preston Minster was packed for the start of a series of four national study days organised as part of the 75th anniversary celebrations of the renovation of the Holy House of the Anglican Shrine of our Lady of Walsingham.
Professor Duffy spoke in depth about the importance of art, worship and buildings in the emergence of devotion to the Virgin Mary over the centuries.
Using a series of slides and musical extracts, Professor Duffy explained how so many of the liturgical strands associated with Mary throughout history had developed.
He stressed that in the Middle Ages, anyone who prayed at all prayed to Mary. 'Lady Chapels were always sacred space,' he said.
He added: 'Strings of beads or knots had been used in prayer for centuries but it wasn't until late the in the Middle Ages that such prayer became known as the Rosary.'
'The Hail Mary prayer didn't emerge until the late 15th century. At the start it was a greeting - a salutation. So it wasn't used in a Rosary context until 1568,' he explained.
Professor Duffy reminded his audience that pilgrimages to places associated with Our Lady had a long and colourful history.
He said: '15th century pilgrimage was more complicated that you might think. Travelling on pilgrimage to places associated with Mary was extremely popular and people flocked to these places,' he said.
'Prayer was very varied and appealed to a wide spectrum of people. People prayed to Mary using illuminated books, or lighting a candle or by saying Hail Mary's,' he said.
Delegates enjoyed lunch after questions and a debate. Similar Study days will follow in Cardiff, London and Durham.
Notes for Editors:
Walsingham, known as England's Nazareth, is this year marking the 75th anniversary of the renovation of Shrine.
For further information please contact
Revd Rob Marshall in the Shrine Media Office robmarshall@aol.com www.walsingham.org.uk