I had an opportunity to experience a different way to commemorate the Holy Week here in the UK. It was my first time joining a pilgrimage. A friend of mine organised a pilgrimage to Our Lady of Walsingham in Walsingham, Norfolk from Birmingham with our fellow Filipino friends.
Our Lady of Walsingham Basilica
Lenten season is widely observed all over the world most especially to the Christian countries. The Catholic devotees from all over the UK, including a large number of fellow Filipinos, joined us in Walsingham in commemorating the Palm Sunday of the Lenten season.
Observing the Holy Week as one of the highlights of the Christian traditions in England. It is celebrated by various traditions like the Church Easter celebration with the monarch, Easter egg hunt etc.
The Slipper Chapel is one of the most sacred and historical chapels here in the UK. It was established in 1061 around the Norman occupation of Britain. It was built as an exact replica of the house where the Annunciation occurred in Nazareth.
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Britain had a reformation of faith around 1538 during the reign of King Henry VIII when the Pope declined to grant his divorce with his first wife. All the Catholic churches in England was burnt to the ground and a strict rule not to practice the Catholic faith. It was on 1829 when the Catholic emancipation was granted again and can freely express the devotion in public.
In 1897, the Slipper Chapel was rebuilt and re-established as a house of faith for the Roman Catholic devotees in Britain. From then on, pilgrims from all over the UK came to pay their respect to the Our Lady of Walsingham.
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Every year, the Filipino community here in the UK congregate to observe and celebrate the whole Lenten season most especially during the Easter Sunday.
During our visit to the Shrine of Our Lady of Walsingham, we started the Palm Sunday celebration service with the station of the cross at the big courtyard of the shrine. It was then followed by Holy Mile Pilgrims route to the Our Lady of Walsingham Basilica where the Slipper Chapel is located.
After the mile pilgrimage walk from the Shrine to Basilica, we enjoyed our lunch Filipino style. It was lovely to have experienced the spirit of Filipino community once again. It always made me feel at home.
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We started the Palm Sunday mass service and give thanks to the Lord for the successful and peaceful congregation of pilgrims to the Our Lady of Walsingham shrine in Norfolk.
I’m glad I joined the pilgrimage with my fellow Filipinos. It was a long 4-hour journey to Norfolk but it was a fantastic day of faith and experience. Many thanks to Groupong Bikolnon for arranging the trip.
🚑 Should I buy travel insurance for my UK trip?
YES – If you’re traveling to the UK, securing travel insurance with comprehensive medical coverage is essential for your peace of mind; I recommend Safety Wing Travel Insurance, which is renowned for its reliability. (READ MORE)
💧 Can I drink tap water in the UK?
YES – You can confidently drink tap water in the UK—just run it for a bit first—and use a Hydro Flask travel bottle, it is a great eco-friendly companion to keep you hydrated while touring the UK attractions.
🚗 Is it safe to rent a car in the UK?
YES – Renting a car in the UK is one of the best ways to see the country. I recommend Discover Cars, to check for the best car rental deals that suit your budget. See my UK driving tips here.
📲 Will my phone work in the UK?
POSSIBLY. Always check with your home mobile provider. If it won’t work or is too expensive, I recommend using Airlo E-Sim for data packages to stay connected online.
🔌 What adapter should I use in the UK?
TYPE G – In the UK, you’ll need a type G plug travel adapter with three rectangular pins arranged in a triangle to power your devices, and the electrical system runs on a 230V supply voltage at 50Hz. (READ MORE)
✈️ What is the best site to buy UK flights?
For finding affordable UK flights, I recommend using Skyscanner. You can always compare the prices that suit your budget.
🛏️ What is the best way to book accommodations in the UK?
My go-to for UK accommodations is Booking.com. I recommend to always check hotel reviews on TripAdvisor.
💷 What currency do I need for my UK trip?
Sterling Pounds – I suggest getting a Wise Travel Card for your hassle-free forex and contactless spending while in the UK. (READ MORE)
🧳 What do I pack for the UK trip?
Depending on the season – You can check my article about the best time to visit the UK.
🛂 Do I need a visa for the UK?
Likely Not – US, Canada, AU, NZ, and EU passport holders do not need a visit visa to the UK. If ever you need one, read more on how to apply for a UK visit visa. Visit iVisa.com to help you with your visa travel documentation needs.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Ryazan Tristram
Travel Writer & PhotographerRyazan has a Bachelor’s Degree in Tourism and Hotel Management. She also has more than 10 years of work experience gained from working in the hotel and travel sectors in Asia and Europe. Her work has been featured and published in BBC, Huffington Post, Reader’s Digest, Discovery Channel, World Travel Guide, MSN, CNBC, GMA, Daily Mail UK, Lonely Planet, and many more. She is currently living in the UK as a dual citizen (British-Filipina). Join her in travelling around the UK, Europe, and beyond with a mission to promote sustainable tourism and share travel guides, travel tips, foodies, history, and culture.
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