Walsingham's Jubilee Year has begun

A Solemn Pontifical Mass in Westminster Cathedral on Saturday 26th March marked the start of the celebrations for the 950th anniversary of the Shrine of Our Lady of Walsingham (England’s National Shrine of Our Lady).

Archbishop Vincent Nichols presided at the Mass, and was joined by H.E. Archbishop Antonio Mennini (the Apostolic Nuncio), Archbishop Peter Smith of Southwark, Mgr Keith Newton (Ordinary of the Ordinariate of Our Lady of Walsingham), other bishops, the Abbot of Farnborough and priests representing dioceses from around the country. Also present were representatives from the Anglican Shrine, including the Guardians of the Holy House who accompanied the statue which had been brought from the Slipper Chapel. The statue was carried in procession by members of the Community of Our Lady of Walsingham. More pictures of the Mass can be seen here.

At the start of his homily the Archbishop made reference to the fact that St Pauls’ latest book about Walsingham [Walsingham: Pilgrims and Pilgrimage] was available in the bookshop and that the author, Fr Michael Rear, would be in the shop to sign copies. He did then go on to say that he was delivering a homily and not a commercial! His Grace pointed out that this Jubilee celebration highlights the imperative for us to work and pray for the visible unity of all christians, whilst also being an opportunity to proclaim the Gospel to the people of our land.

After the Mass the Archbishop joined the many guests in St Pauls bookshop by Westminster Cathedral to celebrate the publication of Walsingham: Pilgrims and Pilgrimage, where he commended both Fr Rear on his work and St Pauls for the excellent quality of presentation.



The book has received great praise from the Shrines, the media and all who have read it. It is now hoped that a way can be found to introduce the book in to America, where there is a great devotion to Our Lady of Walsingham, notably in Williamsburg, Virginia; Houston, Texas and Washington D.C..

Also in the bookshop on Saturday was Jeremy de Satgé, one of the founding members of The Music Makers, who was there to promote his latest CD Our Lady of Walsingham. This excellent production is a history and meditation in words and music. Narrated by Archbishop Bernard Longley of Birmingham, it has contributions from the Administrators of the two Shrines in Walsingham, Sr Therese of the Community of Our Lady of Walsingham and music sung by Schola Cantamus. The CD is available to purchase from our bookshops or our website.

Bishop Michael Campbell OSA

The launch of Bishop Campbell’s latest book You Will Be My Witnesses will take place in our Westminster bookshop on Thursday 31st March at 6pm. This book completes the trilogy by Bishop Campbell, covering Advent, Lent and now the period between Easter and Pentecost, and provides a much-needed guide for all who wish to deepen their understanding of the Mass readings of this liturgical season.

Bishop Campbell will be at the launch to sign copies of his book. If you would like to attend please contact the bookshop.

Richard Leonard SJ

Fr Richard Leonard SJ was in our Westminster shop on 22nd March to promote his latest book Where the Hell is God?, published by Hidden Spring (Paulist Press). The book was written after Tracey Leonard, his sister, was involved in a car crash which left her a quadriplegic. In the book Richard addresses the many questions people ask when faced with tragedy and suffering, and gives a theological response to the different comments and interpretations people express to those who are victims of such accidents. This is a very moving and thought provoking book, the title of which is taken from his mother’s initial question after Tracey’s accident, "Where the hell is God?".

During his talk Richard also made mention of Tracey’s own book, The Full Catastrophe, in which she tells her own story. Whilst in London Richard was interviewed by BBC Radio 2 for Aled Jones' Good Morning Sunday programme for 27th March, and Premier Christian Radio.

Pictured here is Fr Richard with Michael Brennan, Director and Sales Manager of Columba Press, the U.K. distributor of Hidden Spring books.

Walsingham 1061 - 2011

This year marks the 950th anniversary of the foundation of the Shrine of Our Lady of Walsingham - England’s National Shrine of Our Lady.

To mark the start of the celebrations there is to be a mass, celebrated by Archbishop Vincent Nichols, in Westminster Cathedral on Saturday 26th March at 2pm. This will be attended by pilgrims and devotees of Walsingham from all over the country. Following the mass, the official launch of the book WALSINGHAM: PILGRIMS AND PILGRIMAGE, written by Fr Michael Rear and published by ST PAULS, will be held in ST PAULS bookshop.



The book details the history of Walsingham from pre-Christian times to the present day. Illustrated throughout, including 16 pages of black and white and 32 pages of colour pictures, this book is certain to become the definitive history of this small Norfolk village from where pilgrims have honoured Our Lady under her title Our Lady of Walsingham for 950 years. Further details of the book can be seen here.

Fr Rear will be in ST PAULS by Westminster Cathedral bookshop to sign copies of his book on Saturday 26th March from 4.30pm. Further information about Walsingham can be found here and here.

Where the Hell is God?

On Tuesday 22nd March Fr Richard Leonard SJ will be in our London bookshop to speak about his latest book Where the Hell is God?

The book combines professional insights along with the author’s own experience to speculate on how believers can make sense of their Christian faith when confronted with tragedy and suffering.

Tuesday 22nd March at 6pm - ST PAULS by Westminster Cathedral,

Morpeth Terrace, London SW1P 1EP

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Welcome

Welcome to the ST PAULS blog.

By adding this means of communication to our other work we will further our apostolate in bringing Jesus Christ to the modern world, following in the footsteps of our founder, Blessed James Alberione.

You can read Fr Alberione's biography from the Vatican website here and Pope John Paul II's homily at the Beatification of Fr Alberione here.

On this blog you will find details of our activities and news of events from ST PAULS.

We extend a warm welcome to you all, especially those who are members of the worldwide Pauline family.