THE P RTAL
August 2011 Page 12
Walsingham Pilgrimage for Grandparents and Grandchildren
by Jackie Ottaway and Ronald Crane
Having worked together for over 25 years , it was no surprise when Jackie ’ s eldest son married Ronald ’ s youngest child , a daughter ! Nine years later they have produced a son , Joseph and a daughter Emily .
Together with one of Ronald ’ s other Grandchildren , Libby , we decided to attend the Catholic Grandparents ’ Association annual Pilgrimage to the Shrine of Our Lady of Walsingham . Held around the time of the memorial of SS Joachim and Anne ( Jesus ’ Grandparents ) it promised to be a splendid occasion .
founder , Catherine Wiley
The CGA is the brainchild of its founder , Catherine Wiley , and honours and thanks all Grandparents for passing on the faith .
Saturday July 23rd 2011 promised to be a “ faith-filled and fun-filled day with Mass in the Chapel of Reconciliation ”. The web site said there would be a children ’ s liturgy to follow Mass with the crowing of Our Lady ’ s statue with flowers . We were advised to bring a picnic and enjoy the Children ’ s Fun Fair , Bouncy Castle , Clowns , Games and Climbing Wall ! Children ’ s entertainment was to be by Graham and Fun Force .
The Right Revd Brian Noble
It all sounded like a good day out . So we decided to attend , The Right Revd Brian Noble , Bishop Emeritus of Shrewsbury was the principal celebrant and preacher . His homily was good , instructive and thought provoking .
After Mass , we spoke with Catherine and one of her ten Grandchildren : Olivier . Catherine told us that at their Grandparents Pilgrimage at Knock in Ireland , over fourteen thousand people attended ! “ The Association ”, she said , “ Was conceived in Walsingham , and born in Knock !”
Without fear , shame or embarrassment
Of her ten Grandchildren , Catherine explained that four were step-grandchildren ; a fact not uncommon today . Her dream is for there to be a Branch of the CGA in every Parish in the land . Catherine is passionate about the role of
Joseph , Emily and Libby
Grandparents in passing on the Faith . “ They do so ”, she told us ; “ Without fear , shame or embarrassment ”.
The whole idea is a wonderful one . Our Grandchildren had a splendid day . They sang at Mass and enjoyed the picnic . Afterwards they made full use of the face-painting ; the fancy balloons ; the bouncy castle and the hula-hoops .
In the afternoon there was a Children ’ s Liturgy with appropriate songs during which the children decorated the statue of Our Lady of Walsingham . This done , Our Lady was taken on a short procession . The Liturgy closed with the children writing their prayers on post-it notes which were attached to balloons . To a great cheer these balloons were let loose into the sky . As the best children ’ s books say : we all went home very tired but very happy .
Although the weather was changeable , and not especially warm , everyone had a really good day .
The Catholic Grandparents Association have their own web site at www . catholicgrandparentsassociation . com The phone number in Ireland is (+ 353 ) 098-24877