Basilica of Our Lady of Walsingham facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Basilica of Our Lady of Walsingham |
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| "Chapel of Saint Catherine of Alexandria" | |
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"The Slipper Chapel"
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Frontal entrance of the shrine
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 Basilica of Our Lady of Walsingham
Location in Norfolk
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| 52°52′52″N 0°51′12″E / 52.88112°N 0.85331°E | |
| Location | Houghton Saint Giles |
| Country | England |
| Denomination | Roman Catholic |
| Website | Official website: http://www.walsingham.org.uk/home |
| History | |
| Status | Active |
| Founded | 1340 |
| Architecture | |
| Functional status | National Shrine |
| Heritage designation | Grade I listed |
| Designated | 6 March 1959 |
| Architect(s) | Thomas Garner |
| Style | Gothic Romanesque |
| Administration | |
| Diocese | Diocese of East Anglia |
The Basilica of Our Lady of Walsingham, often called the Slipper Chapel, is a special Catholic church in Houghton Saint Giles, Norfolk, England. It was built in 1340. This chapel was the very last stop for people on their pilgrimage (a religious journey) to Walsingham.
In 1954, Pope Pius XII gave a special blessing, called a canonical coronation, to a statue of the Blessed Virgin Mary kept in the chapel. Later, in 2015, Pope Francis made the chapel a "minor basilica." This is a special title given to important churches by the Pope.
Contents
History of the Slipper Chapel
When the Slipper Chapel was first built, Walsingham was a very important place for pilgrims in England. It was second only to Canterbury.
Changes Over Time
In 1538, during the time of King Henry VIII and the English Reformation, the chapel was no longer used as a church. For many years, it was used for different things, like a house for poor people, a place to fix metal (a forge), a cowshed, and even a barn.
Saving the Chapel
In 1863, a wealthy woman named Miss Charlotte Pearson Boyd, who had become Catholic, found the chapel. She bought the building in 1896 and worked to restore it. She then gave the chapel to Downside Abbey for Catholic use again. In 1897, the chapel officially became a shrine once more, with permission from Pope Leo XIII. It was further restored in 1904 by an architect named Thomas Garner.
Becoming a National Shrine
On August 15, 1934, a special public Mass (a Catholic church service) was held in the Slipper Chapel. This was the first time in 400 years! Two days later, a large group of Catholic bishops and over 10,000 people came to the shrine. From that day on, the Slipper Chapel became the official Catholic National Shrine of Our Lady in England.
Special Crowning of the Statue
Twenty years later, on August 15, 1954, Pope Pius XII arranged for the statue of the Virgin Mary to be crowned. This special event, called a Canonical coronation, was done by his representative, Monsignor Gerald O'Hara. The crown was paid for with gold given by women who loved the shrine.
A Special Moment
Right after the crowning ceremony, two white doves landed on the statue's lap. Many people believed this was a miracle. The event was also supported by British and American pilots. Many people walked the "Holy Mile" to the shrine without shoes as a sign of their faith.
The Holy Mile
Today, many pilgrims still take off their shoes at the Slipper Chapel. They then walk the last mile to Walsingham barefoot. This path is known as the "Holy Mile."
The Statue and Pope John Paul II
The Slipper Chapel has a stone statue of the Virgin Mary. This statue was taken to Wembley in 1982. There, it was blessed by Pope John Paul II when he visited England.
Every year on September 8, which is the Feast of the Birth of Our Lady, the statue is carried in a procession for several miles. This procession starts at the Slipper Chapel.
Modern Facilities
Around the Slipper Chapel, there are now other buildings. These include a Chapel of Reconciliation, built in 1982, which can hold up to 350 people. There is also a bookshop and a tearoom for visitors.
In 2007, the Slipper Chapel was featured in a BBC TV show called How We Built Britain.
Becoming a Minor Basilica
On December 27, 2015, Pope Francis gave the Slipper Chapel the special title of a minor basilica. This was done through an official church decree. This title shows the chapel's importance in the Catholic Church.
Rectors of the Shrine
The rector is the priest in charge of the shrine. Here are some of the rectors over the years:
- 1964–1968: Peter Harris
- 1968–1978: Roland Connelly
- 1979–1984: Clive Birch
- 1984–1992: Peter Allen
- 1992–2000: Alan Williams
- 2000–2008: Noel Wynn
- 2008–2015: Alan Williams
- 2015–2020: John Armitage
- 2020–2023: Philip Moger
- 2023-present: Robert Billings
Images for kids
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The special statue of Our Lady of Walsingham that was crowned by Pope Pius XII in 1954.
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Inside the shrine, looking towards the east end.
See also
In Spanish: Basílica de Nuestra Señora de Walsingham para niños
