![2011 06 22_0158](http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2740/5865226485_17962222e8.jpg)
Matthew of LMS Southwark North has proposed a form of multi-shrine pilgrimage, along the lines of the traditional devotion of the Seven Altars in Rome, for London, so he and I and a couple of others spent much of Wednesday travelling around London on the Tube looking at Marian shrines, with a view to thinking about what would make sense from a devotional and transport point of view.
We started naturally with Our Lady of Westminster in the Cathedral, and had a look at the fine modern statue of Our Lady of Pew in Westminster Abbey down the road.
![2011 06 22_0161](http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3226/5865246197_e5a88db867.jpg)
We went to the church of the English Martyrs church near the Tower of London but it is currently closed for refurbishment.
![2011 06 22_0170](http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2705/5865268475_82cd7d72f5.jpg)
We then embarked on the long journey to the shrine of Our Lady of Willesden. This is a refounded Medieval shrine, and one of considerable importance, dating back to the 13th Century. It has an excellent shrine image, though the shrine chapel is sadly stripped of traditional furnishings.
![2011 06 22_0188](http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5064/5865881424_7b3392f3ee.jpg)
It is interesting to see the arrows embedded in the pavement which lead people from the direction of the tube station to the shrine.
![2011 06 22_0174](http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5075/5865295139_048328274e.jpg)
We then went to the impressive shrine of Our Lady in Our Lady and St Gregory in Warwick Street. This shows you what a Catholic shrine traditionally looks like. I hear that it once had not only the silver 'ex voto' offerings indicating answered prayers, but a collection of crutches from those who had experienced a cure thanks to the intercession of Our Lady here.
![2011 06 22_0198](http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3209/5865367907_23aedb944f.jpg)
For a completely bonkers take on some other events in that church, have a look at the Bones.
The proposed pilgrimage will need a lot of planning but it is an interesting idea and I hope it works out.
More photos here.
No comments:
Post a Comment