Walsingham Family Pilgrimage

I spent the weekend in Walsingham with the National Association of Catholic Families (pictured above - you can just about see me in the background being swamped!) Each year they have a pilgrimage to Walsingham (most families ever this year) where they camp out in the field next door to the Reconciliation Chapel and arrange talks for the children (divided by age and boys and girls separate) and for the parents. As well as me the talks were given by three sisters, two brothers (from the Franciscans of the Immaculate in Burslem, Stoke-on-Trent), and three other priests - including Fr Agnellus Murphy from the Friars - along with the Bishop of Shrewsbury, Mark Davies. It was great to be with such committed Catholic families and hear of their struggles and joys in various parts of the country.

There was a great presentation about the "This is my Body" programme that originated in Lancaster diocese to teach primary school children about personal development. It seemed like a fabulous resource for schools and families to use.

Pictured above with two of Fr Tim Finnigan's parishioners (very unruly types!)
and below Maria Hayne with Bishop Mark Davies and others assisting at the Pilgrimage.