The sun shone, the crowds gathered and outdoor services were help in a joyful atmosphere. The theme this year was Mary. Mother of the Church, and we gave thanks that God chose Mary to be the Mother of our Lord. Walsingham is termed 'England's Nazareth' and was a popular place of medieval pilgrimage, revived in the early 20th century. We prayed that as Mary bore Jesus to the world, so must we, and make in our hearts a holy place for Him to dwell.