Anglophiles Unite : August 2022

Saturday, August 27, 2022

Our Lady of Walsingham

Our Lady of Walsingham is a title of Mary, mother of Jesus venerated by Catholics, Western Rite Orthodox Christians, and some Anglicans associated with the Marian apparitions to Richeldis de Faverches, a pious English noblewoman, in 1061 in the village of Walsingham in Norfolk, England. Lady Richeldis had a structure built named "The Holy House" in Walsingham which later became a shrine and place of pilgrimage.

In passing on his guardianship of the Holy House, Richeldis's son Geoffrey left instructions for the building of a priory in Walsingham. The priory passed into the care of the Canons Regular of St. Augustine, sometime between 1146 and 1174.

By a rescript of 6 February 1897, Pope Leo XIII blessed a new statue for the restored ancient sanctuary of Our Lady of Walsingham. This was sent from Rome and placed in the Holy House Chapel at the newly built Catholic parish church of King's Lynn (the village of Walsingham was within the parish) on 19 August 1897 and on the following day the first post-Reformation pilgrimage took place to the Slipper Chapel at Walsingham, which was purchased by Charlotte Boyd(e) in 1895 and restored for Catholic use. Hundreds of Catholics attended the pilgrimage and committed themselves to an annual pilgrimage (from 1897 to 1934 on Whitsun) to commemorate this event.

Pope Pius XII granted a canonical coronation to the Catholic image via the Papal Nuncio, Bishop Gerald O'Hara, on 15 August 1954 with a gold crown funded by her female devotees, now venerated in the Basilica of Our Lady of Walsingham.

The feast day of Our Lady of Walsingham is kept on 24 September in both the Anglican and Catholic churches. Anglicans, especially in the Society of Our Lady of Walsingham and at the Anglican shrine, keep an additional feast of translation on 15 October annually, the anniversary of the translation of the image from Walsingham's parish church to the shrine church in 1931. In the United States several local churches keep the translation (15 October) as the principal feast of Our Lady of Walsingham, including the Episcopal Church, ROCOR Western Rite, and the Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese of North America.

The Basilica of Our Lady of Walsingham, informally known as the Slipper Chapel or the Chapel of Saint Catherine of Alexandria, is a Catholic basilica in Houghton Saint Giles, Norfolk, England. Built in 1340, it was the last chapel on the pilgrim route to Walsingham.

Pope Pius XII granted a canonical coronation to the venerated statue of the Blessed Virgin Mary under the title of Our Lady of Walsingham presently enshrined within the chapel on 15 August 1954.

Pope Francis raised the sanctuary to the status of a minor basilica via an apostolic decree on 27 December 2015

The Slipper Chapel (left) and presbytery (right) Houghton St Giles, Norfolk, England, seen from the northwest

THE SLIPPER CHAPEL STATUE GOES TO WEMBLEY

During the Visit of Pope John Paul II to England in 1982, the Slipper Chapel Statue was taken to Wembley Stadium and was carried around the stadium prior to the Papal Mass preceded by The Director of the Roman Catholic Shrine (Fr Clive Birch sm) and the Administrator of the Anglican Shrine (Rev Christopher Colven).

Hampton Court Richmond-upon-Thames Surrey

The Castle Hotel Windsor

The Castle Hotel Windsor is situated amongst some of the most historic examples of architecture in the United Kingdom. The hotel itself dates back to the 1600s and sits opposite the magnificent Windsor Guildhall, with royal attractions such as Windsor Castle and St. George’s Chapel both within easy reach for guests who are eager to immerse themselves in all that Windsor has to offer.

Castle Hotel began life in 1528 as The Mermaid Inn – humbly brewing beer and cider for the people of Windsor which, at the time, was a small town of just 1,000 people. During the 1700s, innkeeper Richard Martin was awarded the first of the hotel’s eight Royal Warrants – to provide horses and carriages for the royal household. The hotel grew with the population of Windsor to become one of the grandest places to stay in the Royal Borough.

By the 19th century, the Castle Hotel Windsor had solidified its reputation as the connoisseur’s choice of accommodation in the area. The hotel was so popular among the elite that the Duke of Wellington stepped in to dine after his victory over Napoleon at the battle of Waterloo.

As one of the most opulent buildings in Windsor, it is clear to see why the aristocracy has played such an important role in the Castle Hotel Windsor’s history. With eight Royal Warrants, it is renowned worldwide for its links to the British monarchy. Today, Castle Hotel Windsor retains this reputation and has been lovingly restored to preserve the atmosphere and elegance of its rich history.

ROOMS

Inside our sophisticated 16th century building, you will find 108 thoughtfully-designed and modern bedrooms waiting to welcome you. From classic rooms to our larger suites, Castle Hotel Windsor has everything you need for a weekend of sightseeing, a last minute business trip or a relaxing staycation.

With beds made for dreaming, sleek interior design details, flat screen TVs and complimentary mineral water, we will help you restore, renew and revive. Pamper yourself with the help of British bath and body products from 100 Acres, before wrapping up in an inviting bathrobe and making use of the complimentary WiFi.

From comforting classics to light bites and delectable vegan options, British artisan cheeses and local beers from the Windsor & Eton Brewery, Leaf is the perfect spot for a leisurely lunch, brunch or decadent dinner.