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Our Lady's Mirror
Spring 1943
A corner of the
Library
There has been so little to record during the past few months that we did not feel justified in
going to print, and none of our readers has sent in any contributions to publish in the “Mirror”; we do
wish they would help us in this way and so make this publication of more interest to our readers.
We have all been made very happy by a kindly visit to the Shrine and Sisters of our new Diocesan, the
Bishop of Norwich, who showed great interest in all he saw. He stayed the night and attended the Mass in
the Parish Church the next morning at 8 o’clock. This is the first time for over twenty-two years, that is
during the present incumbency, that the Chief Pastor of this Diocese has attended a service of any kind in
these parishes, and the first time since the sixteenth century he has visited the Shrine.
The eight hundred and eighty-second Festival of the Holy House was observed quietly this year. On the
eve, Vespers were solemnly sung and the Administrator gave an Address which was followed by
Benediction. On the Feast Day High Mass was offered at 10 o’clock, when the Guardians’ Candle was
presented by Mr Long. Benediction was again given in the evening.
Thos who read the “Church Times” (and for the benefit of those who gave it up a few years ago, it is worth
noting that the paper is much improved and more definite) will have seen that we sing a Requiem each
week (except in privileged octaves) for all those who have fallen in the war. Our readers and their friends
may like to take advantage of this and send to us the names of those whom they would like to be
especially remembered. Names should reach the Pilgrimage Office not later than Saturday for the
following week.
One is apt to believe that very few people realise that the Chapel of the Coronation, above, and behind the
High Altar, is the Chapel of the Confraternity of the Blessed Sacrament: that it was furnished and
decorated by its members, and is therefore the one Sanctuary belonging to the Confraternity. Here each
month, on the first Thursday at 4.30, the Office of the Blessed Sacrament is sung and Benediction given
on behalf of all who belong to the C.B.S. Usually, too, an address is given. You might tell your local wards
of this, because as there is no publication connected with the C.B.S. very few indeed know about the
Chapel or its use.
Everyone will know by now that the ban has been lifted and that pilgrims and visitors can come to the
Shrine. Also that the bells can be rung once again.
THE LIBRARY
The photograph taken by Father Derek White and reproduced in this number shows a corner of the College
Library, of which you have heard so much. Unfortunately it does not show the carving on the beam over
the fireplace – which is late 15th or early 16th century. This and the open hearth and seat, together with
the beams in the roof were all discovered when we began pulling the walls about in preparation for the
books – a few of which are to be seen in the picture.
AN AMBITION
As all our Priest Associates know, it is the aim and hope of those largely responsible for the Walsingham
revival to establish a College of Priests with a small number of laymen, for the worship and adoration of
God and the work of the Shrine and its Pilgrimage. The site for the necessary buildings for such a
foundation has been acquired adjoining the Shrine Church. A very simple Rule, little more than is expected
from an ordinary secular Priest living in a parish, is followed, based on that of the Canons of S. Augustine.
Each Priest puts in ten months' residence. All naturally say their Mass each morning, but in addition to the
members of the College take part in the daily Chapter Mass, and the Office in Choir, which consist of
Morning and Evening Prayer; this does not in any way prevent Priests saying privately and in addition
whatever other Office they choose. There is, of course, the regular daily mental prayer, as well as daily
consecutive reading. Silence is observed from 10.30 until after Chapter Mass, said at 9.30.
After the first three months’ probation there is much work to be done in the way of preaching and
lecturing for those who have the gifts for that work and we hope some at least will prove to be forceful
mission preachers, ample opportunities will be given for the necessary preparation for this work so much
needed in every age, and if we are not much mistaken – more than ever after the war. Time for regular
and serious study will also be possible for those requiring it. We have reason to believe that the services of
such a College will be welcomed by overworked or sick Priests all over the country. While there is always,
and if after the war the pilgrimage continues to grow, an ever-increasing amount of work in organising,
looking after and managing the pilgrimages which come to Walsingham, in addition we have the Children’s
Home, which is a definite part of the Shrine organisation. In connection with the College we also hope to
found a Hospice for old and lonely Priests who wish to end their days in Catholic surroundings. The Fathers
of the College and the Brothers will look upon this as part of their most privileged work.
Directly it is possible it is proposed to restore and adapt the derelict cottages on the site; it is the intention
that each Father shall have a cottage to himself, consisting of two or three rooms. There is to be in
addition a Refectory, where the two principal meals will be taken in common; a library, which we are
slowly and painfully trying to build up; and a Common Room. Donations for the reconstruction work as
well as to endow the College are needed – would you care to share in this?
articles: 'I will go into the House of the Lord'; 'A Great Betrayal' [South India scheme]
photograph: a corner of the Library that Fr Patten wanted to create [above]