NEWS 041116 Walsingham - CELEBRATION AS FR KEVIN SMITH BECOMES NEW PRIEST ADMINISTRATOR
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The Anglican Shrine of Our Lady of Walsingham
Media Information
For Immediate Use
Friday, 04 November 2016
CELEBRATION AS FR KEVIN SMITH BECOMES NEW PRIEST ADMINISTRATOR
There will be a celebration in Walsingham tomorrow [Saturday 5 November, 12noon] as the Anglican Shrine welcomes a new Priest Administrator.
Father Kevin Smith, until recently Vicar of Horden in the Diocese of Durham, officially takes up his new responsibilities following a special service in the Shrine Church.
Master of the Guardians, Bishop Philip North [who is Bishop of Burnley] will be joined by the Bishop of Norwich, Graham James, to lead a service which marks the start of a new chapter in the life of one of England’s most popular pilgrimage places.
Fr Smith said today: “I am, of course, looking forward to the big day and particularly to welcoming family, friends and former parishioners from Horden who are making the journey south to see me in.”
The Priest Administrator oversees the day to day running of the Shrine and works closely with the Master and Guardians to ensure the Shrine remains focussed on its mission to pilgrims and visitors.
The Bishop of Norwich will give the sermon and the Bishop of Burnley will celebrate the Eucharist.
Guardians will attend along with Shrine staff and ecumenical guests.
In the order of service it reads: “As we offer this Eucharist together please pray for Father Kevin and the life of the Shrine and its staff.”
Fr Smith will work alongside Fr Philip Barnes for the first few weeks. He has been interim Priest Administrator throughout 2016 and thanks will be expressed to him.
Ends
Notes to editors:
The College of Guardians was formed in 1931. It comprises twenty priests and laity (including the Priest Administrator) who are the legal trustees of the Shrine. The Guardians elect one of their number (who must be a priest) to serve as Master. The Guardians meet twice a year in Chapter (chaired by the Master) to oversee the affairs of the Shrine. Each Guardian is assigned a stall and an altar in the Shrine Church. When attending the Shrine Church or the National Pilgrimage each Guardian wears the insignia of a star suspended from black and white ribbon and a blue velvet mantle.
Further information:
For further information please contact
Revd Dr Rob Marshall on 07766 952113
