A group of seventeen young people aged between eleven and eighteen from the Wakefield Episcopal area travelled to Walsingham to join in with over three hundred young Christians for a week of worship, prayer, fun and camping at the Walsingham Youth Pilgrimage.
The group had an eventful start, from breaking down at Kings Lynn and arriving to heavy rain and wind to pitch tents, resulting in broken tent poles.
However, the young people battled through and had a good week.
The teaching throughout the week was on the theme of the creed, and Bishops Rowan Williams, Rachel Gardner and various other bishops spoke engagingly with clarity and conviction.
The pilgrims took part in daily Bible studies and Mass, and also took part in a first visit to the Holy House, Benediction in the Shrine Gardens and a procession of Our Lady of Walsingham from the Abbey grounds, through the village whilst praying the Rosary.
Helen Brownbridge, one of the trip leaders, said: “Wednesday was a particularly moving evening where pilgrims were able to take part in healing liturgies; sprinkling, laying on of hands, anointing and confession.
“The Vigil was concluded with Compline and Benediction.
“One particular highlight from this evening was an eleven-year-old pilgrim from the group asking Fr Robert if he was allowed to pray the Rosary during the Vigil.
“Fr Robert looked across the big top during the Vigil and saw the boy praying with another unknown boy.
“Afterwards he asked who the other boy was, the eleven-year-old pilgrim replied, ‘I don’t know, but I started to pray, and he asked if he could join me.’
“’So, we took it in turn to lead the mysteries.’”
The pilgrims also enjoyed other activities such as inflatables, singing workshop, bubble football and concluded the week taking a trip to Wells on the little train.
Although the week started with a few challenges, the young pilgrims really enjoyed their time, with many eager to return next year.