CONSECRATION OF OUR PARISH TO OUR LADY OF WALSINGHAM

On Sunday 24th, the Feast of Our Lady of Walsingham, Bishop Alan visited our parish and presided the mass of consecration and blessing of the statue of Our Lady of Walsingham.

As Bishop Alan recalled his two periods as Rector of the Catholic Shrine of Our Lady of Walsingham in Norfolk, he said he had been looking forward to leading the entrustment of the parish to Our Lady.
He reflected on Mary’s place in our faith with candid love and affection. She, our Mother and friend he said, is closer to us than we can possibly be to the Trinity, and therefore is more accesible and easier to embrace.Bishop Alan reflected on Mary’s humble surrendering in trust to the Will of God in her times of joy, sorrow and pain.Can we do the same?

Bishop Alan then invited the congregation to ‘share in the joy of the Annunciation’ by following Mary’s openness to God’s call through her faith-filled “yes”’ with the Angelus Promise.A reminder that through our own faith-filled “yes” the Lord will work wonder in our lives.

After Mass, Bishop Alan blessed the statue of Our Lady of Walsingham and bench in the new prayer garden at the front of the church.With great enthusiasm he explained the meaning of the main features of the statue before giving the signal to proceed to the BBQ in the traditional Pacific Island way: fire on!
Over 70 parishioners from our three mass centres enjoyed a convivial time in the garden with burgers and sausages provided by Blackwell’s Farm shop and delicious salads and puddings produced by our talented and generous parishioners. Wine, beer and soft drinks were a joyful accompaniment to a sunbathed afternoon.
Special thank you to Leah for the warm music and voice and to all who help us in any way to make this a wonderful and memorable occasion.

‘Mary teach us to say Yes to the Lord every moment of our lives.
Mary teach us to say Thanks to the Lord every moment of our lives.’

Bishop Alan blessed the statue of Our Lady of Walsingham donated by Tom McInally’s family on his memory.	Over 70 parishioners from our three mass centres enjoyed a convivial time in the garden with burgers and sausages provided by Blackwell’s Farm shop and delicious salads and puddings produced by our talented and generous parishioners. Wine, beer and soft drinks were a joyful accompaniment to a sunbathed afternoon
	Leah Clarke entertained us with her warm music and voice.
Our thanks to Blackwell’s Farm Shop from Coggeshall, who donated the BBQ meat and bread. Their professionalism made it a very special occasion for us!	Bishop Alan made a point of speaking to as many parishioners as possible during his time with us!