The Portal July 2016 | Page 3

THE P RTAL July 2016 Page 3 Portal Comment Walsingham, Arundel and Birmingham Three Holy places that have come to the attention of Will Burton Elsewhere in this edition of The Portal, you will be able to read an account of the Ordinariate Pilgrimage to Our Lady of Walsingham. What that article does not tell you is something that I have discovered and will be of interest to members of the Ordinariate. It seems that Mgr Keith and Mrs Gill Newton, had breakfast with Mgr John Armitage on the morning of the pilgrimage. Nothing interesting in that, surely? They have to sit at table with someone; it might as well be that trio! No, the interesting thing is that during this breakfast conversation it seems that Fr John asked the other two if they would like to look around “The Dowry”. Now this is the name to be given to what used to be the Sue Ryder cafe on the High Street in Walsingham. You may know that it is now in the hands of the Catholic Shrine at Walsingham and is to open as a Retreat House for the laity. What a splendid idea, and one that not only I, but also the whole Portal Editorial Board endorse. Indeed, the idea is supported by our esteemed Ordinary as well. As you would expect, the offer was taken up with alacrity. My source tells me that they were very impressed with what they saw. The Dowry will be able to take twenty people if they are in single rooms, but thirty five if some take twin rooms. That is a lovely size for a retreat. Ordinariate Pilgrimages You can also read on other pages accounts of the other pilgrimages the Ordinariate has been on since our last edition of The Portal. The next ones are: St Philip Howard at Arundel on Saturday 9th July 11am Liturgy of Penance, in the Fitzalan Chapel 12 noon Procession to the Cathedral and through the Holy Door for Mass 12.45pm Lunch and free time 3pm Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament to conclude the pilgrimage Bl