The Anglican Shrine of Our Lady of Walsingham is expecting a bumper Bank Holiday crowd to celebrate the 2006 National Pilgrimage on Bank Holiday Monday (29th May).

This year marks the 75th anniversary of the restoration of the Shrine, and the National Pilgrimage is a key part of the anniversary celebrations.

 
The Shrine has also put on a range of activities for children and families to enjoy, alongside the groups of pilgrims who visit the Shrine from all over the country for the traditional Bank Holiday Monday celebration.
 
Bishop David Hope,  former Archbishop of York and now Parish Priest of St Margaret's, Ilkley, will be the Celebrant at the 2006 National, which has the theme; "House of God, Gate of Heaven".

Brother Paschal SSF will be the guest preacher. Mass will take place in the Abbey grounds at 12.00 noon followed by a picnic lunch. The Sermon, Procession and Benediction will take place at 2.30pm.

"The National is always a great day of celebration at the Shrine and this year will be extra special because of the 75th anniversary celebrations," said Revd Rob Marshall, spokesman for the Shrine today.

Notes for Editors

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

For further information please contact
Revd Rob Marshall in the Shrine Media Office
Email: robmarshall@aol.com
www.walsingham.org.uk