Fr Frank writes:
My dear friends,
On Tuesday we celebrate the feast of Our Lady of Walsingham – there will be a Mass in Frinton on that day. Walsingham was a very early Shrine, and, in the Middle Ages, ranked with Compostella, Rome and Jerusalem as a major pilgrimage site. It was established in 1061 by Richeldis, Lady of the Manor of Walsingham, who received a vision in which Our Lady asked her to build a replica of the Holy House of Nazareth. Our Lady gave Richeldis the dimensions of the house and promised to show her where to build it. In the morning a new spring of water marked the spot. The site of the original Holy House can be seen in the Priory grounds and the wells are still in existence. A replica of the Saxon Holy House can also be seen in the Anglican shrine in the village centre close to the now ruined Priory.
The Shrine of Our Lady of Walsingham is still very much alive and attracts hundreds of thousands of pilgrims each year. I was privileged, together with the other clergy of the deanery, to spend some time in the newly established retreat house only two weeks ago.
Walsingham is a holy place and has been close to my heart for over 55 years. If you have never been, I urge you to go there and pray that Our Lady will bless our country. If you have been there, why not pay another visit? I guarantee that Our Lady will give you a warm welcome.
On the weekend of 28/29 September we celebrate Harvest Festival in both parishes. On that day could you please bring foodstuffs to church to be placed around the altar. After Mass these can then be distributed to the Foodbanks in Harwich or Walton-on-the-Naze. I know you are generous in your support of the Foodbanks, but it would be wonderful if we could make an extra effort that weekend. No fresh foods, please.
May Our Lady of Walsingham pray for you, and may our good God bless you.
Frank ofs
Sunday Smile:
A man was collecting Christian Aid envelopes. Calling at one house he met the response, “Sorry I can’t give you anything, the dog ate the envelope.”
“Ah,” said the collector. “Don’t worry, I have a spare envelope.” Back came the quick reply, “It’s no good, he’d only eat that one too.”