NEWS 061116 Walsingham - Huge Welcome for Father Kevin
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The Anglican Shrine of Our Lady of Walsingham
Media Information
For Immediate Use
Sunday, 06 November 2016
Huge Welcome for Father Kevin
The Shrine Church was packed on Saturday (November 5) as Father Kevin Smith was welcomed as the new Priest Administrator of the Anglican Shrine of Our Lady of Walsingham.
The Bishop of Norwich, Graham James, also welcomed Father Smith to the Diocese of Norwich and urged the congregation to give thanks for "the security of our worship in this Shrine Church today".
The Bishop said those present were surely inspired by the martyrs of previous generations and reminded them that "Walsingham has not always been a place of security and comfort over the years."
Bishop James said that the new Priest Administrator was already "familiar with the village and community" and light-heartedly suggested that “He knows it so well, [as a Guardian] and he still wants to come here!"
The Bishop of Burnley, Philip North, Master of the Guardians, then welcomed Father Smith in his new role and installed him in his seat in the Shrine Church.
Bishop North said: "Mary listened to the Word of God and kept it. Will you seek the will of God [as Priest Administrator] as she did and by your teaching encourage those who come on pilgrimage to this holy place to do the same?"
Special readings and hymns were chosen for the Eucharist which followed.
The service was attended by the Guardians, visiting bishops and priests, family and friends of Father Smith and resident pilgrims as well as former parishioners of new Priest Administrator from Horden in County Durham.
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
