Shrine sees events from Easter and beyond cancelled
Father Kevin Smith, the priest administrator at The Shrine of Our Lady Walsingham. Picture: Graham Howard - Credit: Archant
The priest of Walsingham shrine said he felt ‘very sad’ as plans for the Easter weekend had to be cancelled, along with more future events.
The Image of Our Lady of Walsingham in the Holy House is dressed in a white mantle on Easter Day. Picture: Graham Howard - Credit: Archant
Father Kevin Smith, the priest administrator at The Shrine Of Our Lady Of Walsingham, should have been preparing for one of the busiest weekends as the shrine joined with the village’s parish church to celebrate Easter.
They were instead preparing an online stream as the shrine is closed due to coronavirus.
Fr Kevin Smith, who has been the head of the shrine since 2016, said: “It is very sad and a completely new experience for us. We have no one here to celebrate with us and we would have liked to keep the shrine open to everyone to visit.”
Works of prayer and worship are being continued by the priests there despite the lock-down, with a live stream every day for all pilgrims.
Father Kevin Smith, Priest Administrator, speaks at the launch of Pilgrim's Pale Ale, a collaboration between The Shrine of Our Lady of Walsingham and Barsham Brewery. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY - Credit: Copyright: Archant 2020
You may also want to watch:
Plans for the future are still uncertain, with the youth pilgrimage, which sees hundreds of young pilgrims from all over the world visit Walsingham, being cancelled.
The Calvary (with its three crosses) in the Shrine gardens holds special significance at Easter. Picture: Tessa Hobbs - Credit: Archant
Easter Day is celebrated each year at St. Mary’s Parish Church, Little Walsingham. Picture: Keith Tuck - Credit: Archant
Most Read
- 1 Housing bid blocked over foul sewage fears
- 2 RAF Sculthorpe prepares for take-off as reopening approaches
- 3 South African chef and seven-courses: Town's newest bar and restaurant
- 4 North Norfolk fish and chip shop among best in the country
- 5 'It did not deliver': Glamping site vows to improve after guests hit out
- 6 Pioneering boat will make Norfolk coast more accessible
- 7 Your say - What's the best thing about Fakenham
- 8 Town to turn into Disneyland for Elsie after mum's plea for support
- 9 The show WILL go on - Student production of Little Women to go ahead
- 10 Parents of inspirational boy raise close to £3k as they brave the shave
