Walsingham lands a £4 million donation

THE Catholic shrine at Walsingham has received a£4 million donation towards its building work, writes Liz Dodd.

The donation, from a trust fund, was announced this week. Added to money already raised, it means that the shrine only has to raise a further £1.5m to reach its £6m target.

“Money always follows a good idea – and we’ve had one of those for 950 years,” the Rector of the shrine, Mgr John Armitage, said, adding: “Our Lady has a wonderful ability to surprise us.”

The Catholic National Shrine, also known as the Slipper Chapel, sits alongside an Anglican shrine in the village in Norfolk in eastern England.

The money raised will go towards expanding the facilities available to pilgrims, including providing accommodation for the sick. The building work also  includes a retreat centre, a Catholic media hub and a chapel for Perpetual Adoration.

Earlier this month the shrine was made a Minor Basilica by Pope Francis, which means that pilgrims who visit it can earn an indulgence under the usual conditions.