✦ COME & SEE WEEKEND • 13–15 JUNE 2025 • YOUNG WOMEN 18–35
Peter and Mary
Personal stories · Lay Branch
Our story
Attracted by the welcome, love and acceptance of the COLW community, both professed and lay members, we have been involved in the lay branch since it began. In some ways our coming to the community has been accidental; in some ways a natural progression.
We have always practised our faith, growing up and living our adult lives mainly in the north of England. We met on pilgrimage to the Rue du Bac in Paris, invited to provide the music. So a devotion to Our Lady has always been part of our lives.
The Walsingham connection came through Mary’s parents. In retirement they moved to Walsingham to help at the Shrine. They had for many years brought pilgrims by coach from Hull and East Yorkshire. So, as our young family grew, North Norfolk became a regular destination in school holidays; more for family and fun than for worship. The unique atmosphere of Walsingham is bound up for us with happy family memories.
We had always looked beyond parish life to help our children experience a more vibrant living of the faith; and even dreamed of some sort of community life. But it was only with our three children leaving home and early retirement that COLW came into view. During Covid lockdowns the sisters offered an on-line retreat, an introduction to Walsingham spirituality, something hopeful and precious at a time of fear and isolation. It was natural to accept the invitation to explore further as the lay branch was established.
So we continue to live our ordinary lives in our local church community in Scunthorpe: Peter as catechist, worship leader, and school governor; and Mary as crafter making greeting cards for COLW, as her health permits. As for growing in the joy of Our Lady’s ‘Fiat!’ we keep trying; work in progress!
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Community of Our Lady
of Walsingham