On Saturday 8th October 2011 a congregation of 18 people gathered at the Church of Our Lady of Walsingham and St Francis of Assisi, Rochester, Kent celebrated their Co Patronal Festivals and commemorated the 950th Anniversary of the vision of the Lady Richeldis de Faverches in Walsingham of the Blessed Virgin Mary in 1061AD.
Bishop Mead celebrated the Pontifical Sung Mass and preached on the theme of Complete Obedience to the will of God using the example of Richeldis, St Francis of Assisi and ultimately the Blessed Virgin Mary.
The Very Revd Raymond Thompson, Parish Priest of the Rochester Parish, deaconed the Mass and officiated at Benediction in the afternoon.
Refreshments were provided between the services with those attending bringing sandwiches and cakes and some 12 folk stayed for Benediction.
Although the day was not bright and sunny it was dry and the regular procession in honour of Our Lady was able to take place in the Chapel grounds. Colin Rumens carrying the banner of Our Lady of Walsingham, Dr Jonathan Munn as crucifer, Roy Hipkiss as thurifer and Richard Mulholland acting as Bishop’s Mitre and Crosier bearer.
