If last year marked the ‘parting of friends’ then perhaps this year was something of a ‘renewal’ as those who, for the moment, have decided to stay (together with one or two Ordinariate folk) made their way to Walsingham for the Anglican National Pilgrimage. The all important ‘numbers’ held steady and the predicted ‘gaps’ were conspicuous by their absence. The Mass was good, the mood was upbeat, the rain was merciful and Benediction from the site of the original Holy House was very special indeed. As the silver ’950′ balloons headed up into the sky a round of applause followed and the crowds gravitated towards the Bull. Curiously the Protestant protesters seemed to have called it a day already as the procession had stopped short of the Village pump and headed back into the Abbey grounds. For me personally, it all felt special again and left me wondering if maybe, just maybe, the future isn’t quite as bleak as some are making out?
Hybald
Nearly a week after the event- yes the Pilgrimage to Walsingham was great! And it was very significant that it was well supported and with priests and people in good spirit. Its significance was greatly increased by the cancellation of the other big Anglo-Catholic summer pilgrimage for south-west of England and Wales- to Glastonbury. Had Walsingham numbers been markedly down it would have sent a very chill wind through the whole of our constituency.
It makes one wonder now whether the pessimism of the Glastonbury Pilgrimage Association was warranted at all. I have heard, even in Sempringham, that Glastonbury is back on for 2012. That is good.
One factor that might have contributed to the numbers and mood at the National is the announcement (at last!) of the Bishops-Designate of Ebbsfleet & Richborough, who it was known would both be present. Without clear leadership we have all felt without either direction or focus. June 16th at Southwark cannot come soon enough.
St Gilbert