General Chat

Good morning :-)


Whilst many shrines are known to be abroad, we are not totally bereft of them in this country.

The Anglican Shrine of Our Lady of Walsingham is a Church of England shrine church built in 1938 in Walsingham, Norfolk, England. Walsingham is the site of the reputed Marian apparitions to Richeldis de Faverches in 1061. The Virgin Mary is, therefore, venerated at the site with the title of Our Lady of Walsingham.

The shrine church was substantially extended in the 1960s. The church has a holy well known for its healing properties; the act of receiving water from the holy well is often accompanied by the laying on of hands and anointing. Water from the well is often taken home by the faithful and distributed to their family, friends and parishioners.

The grounds include the shrine church, gardens, several chapels, a refectory, a café, a shrine shop, a visitors' centre, the Pilgrim Hall, an orangery, the College (home to priests-associate when in residence), and a large number of different residential blocks for the accommodation of resident pilgrims.

In 1947 three sisters of the Society of Saint Margaret moved to Walsingham to help at the shrine. The Priory of Our Lady, Walsingham, was founded in 1955 as a daughter priory, and gained independence as an autonomous house of the Order in 1994. The sisters welcome guests and work in the shrine; they are also involved in educational work.

Cx :-)

Good morning :-)


Italy is a favourite place for holidaymakers who like to explore and an Italian city with strong links to Christianity is Milan.

First and foremost, Leonardo Da Vinci’s famous mural painting, The Last Supper, is found in Milan’s church, Santa Maria delle Grazie. It is an amazing attraction and arguably one of the most famous artworks in world history.

Milan also has one of the largest cathedrals in the world. You will find that in the deep centre of the city.

Aside from the Christian attractions in Milan, the city is huge and it is also a world leader in fashion, gastronomy, art, music and sports.

Cx :-)

Good morning :-)

Thank you for your kind thoughts.......much appreciated. <3

Yes, I do remember now that you went to Russia Vera, and what a wonderful time you had. It sounds amazing.

Of course, you don’t have to travel abroad to include some interesting Christian heritage in your holiday– there is one quite close to home!

There’s a special feeling you get the first moment you enter a church. And with its 800-year-old history, stunning architecture and fascinating heritage, Cartmel Priory gives you a feeling that will last long after you’ve left.

Steeped in culture and rich with history, the Priory is found at the very heart of Cartmel village, surrounded by picturesque English countryside, and gives a warm welcome to everyone who comes to experience it.

Exploring the Priory is different for everyone. Some visitors marvel at the ancient architecture, some discover hidden mysteries within its motifs and carvings, and others just sit and absorb the Priory’s peaceful atmosphere.

Over the centuries the Priory has witnessed war, peace, raids and ruin, but still remains a building of greatness and enduring beauty. A story 800 years in the writing, still being written today.


Cx :-)

Such a sad time for you Cynthia. My condolences to you and your family on the death of your nephew at such a young age. May he rest in peace.

You may remember that OH and I visited Russia in 2017 and spent a few days in Moscow. St Basil's Cathedral is an amazing place. It is a series of chapels built round a central core. For a while, particularly during the Stalinist era, it became a museum but, if I remember rightly, a weekly Orthodox service was re-introduced in 1997. It was certainly worth a visit and I am so glad we were able to go when we did.

It is so sad to see what is happening in that part of the world and we can only pray that peace is restored soon.

Hello all

It's good to have you back posting again Cynthia after such a very sad family funeral. Gone too soon. I pray that your young nephew will Rest in Peace and let perpetual light shine upon him.

Jesus said, "Blessed are they that mourn, for they will be comforted." Matthew ch 5 v 4.

Gentle hugs for those in need today x

Good morning :-)

Thank you kandj for keeping the page ticking over. I have been away for the funeral of my nephew who died at the age of just 46. I have the deepest admiration for my brother and sister-in-law who spoke so eloquently about their son's life. Very brave. <3

We are beginning to enter the holiday season...........

For those who are interested in holidays with a religious side to them (and there are many), one of the more unusual places to visit is Moscow.

In Moscow, we find one of the most picturesque cathedrals in the world - Saint Basil’s Cathedral, located in the Red Square. It was built in the 16th century on orders from Ivan the Terrible. The outcome, however, was the opposite of terrible – it is a beautiful Orthodox cathedral, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is one of the most remarkable Christian sites, at least visually, in the entire world.
Don’t forget that Russia is one of the more Christian nations in the world, and there are many other churches around this giant city. It is absolutely full of cultural attractions.

We pray for our brothers and sisters in that war-torn country.

Cx :-)

Hello all

Heavenly Father,
Bless us as we rest,
Restore us as we sleep
Care for us as we drift off, and
Make our dreaming sweet.
We pray this in Jesus name.
Amen.

Hello all

A sunny day again and a real tonic for us all.

THANK YOU for waking me this morning,
THANK YOU for giving me today,
THANK YOU for every new day dawning
I'll be thanking you.

Sending a gentle hug for people who are feeling sad today x

Good morning :-)


The Collect (special prayer) for today:

O God the King of glory,
you have exalted your only Son Jesus Christ
with great triumph to your kingdom in heaven:
we beseech you, leave us not comfortless,
but send your Holy Spirit to strengthen us
and exalt us to the place where our Saviour Christ is gone before,
who is alive and reigns with you,
in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, now and for ever. Amen.

The gospel reading – John 17 1-11 Jesus prays to be glorified

Cx :-)

Good morning :-)

Oops missed another day.......sorry......life is still hectic. <3


Lord Jesus,

You have taken us this far all through the week. As the weekend begins this Saturday morning, Father, we pray that it will be filled with rest and refreshment. Give us also the strength to accomplish all that we planned out, (including cleaning). While still having enough time to relax and spend time in Your presence.

Protect us from evil. Provide for us this weekend. We pray for peace, happiness and joy in our homes.
In Jesus' name, Amen.

Cx :-)

Hello all

Cynthia, many thanks to you for this week's posting about the home.

May your home always be too small to
hold all of your friends.
(An Irish blessing).

Hello all

"At His Ascension our Lord entered Heaven, and He kept the door open for humanity to enter."
(Oswald Chambers).

Good morning :-)

Today is Ascension Day..........and what an amazing story!

Lord Jesus, you became man and came to live among us.
For love of us, you suffered and died for us.
Because you are God, you conquered death and rose on the third day.
Today you return to your Father and our Father,
But you promised to remain with us till the end of time,
And to send us the Holy Spirit.
We rejoice and thank you, Lord Jesus.
Come Holy Spirit, purify and transform us,
Kindle within us the fire of your love.
Amen.

Cx :-)

Good morning :-)

Whilst we are grateful for our homes - however humble - we must always be aware that there are those who are not as fortunate......

Heavenly Father
My neighbour has nowhere to call home: help me be aware.
My neighbour needs love and community: help me be active.
My neighbour is crying out for justice: help me be adamant
to see an end to homelessness. Amen.

Cx :-)

Good morning :-)


I read within a poet’s book
A word that starred the page:
‘Stone walls do not a prison make,
Nor iron bars a cage!’

Yes, that is true; and something more
You’ll find, where’er you roam
That marble floors and gilded walls
Can never make a home.

But every house where Love abides,
And Friendship is a guest,
Is surely home, and home-sweet-home:
For there the heart can rest.

Cx :-)

Good morning :-)

Our homes.
Lord, we are grateful for our homes. May they be havens of peace. The world around us can be stressful and high-pressured. We are surrounded by conflict and pressure but we pray that inside these walls, You will bring peace and comfort. Help us to rest in You. Amen

Cx :-)

It’ll be going round and round my brain for a day or two now kandj, lol. That worship song is one of my favourites. I’ve been a bit grumpy for a couple of days so perhaps humming that song will lift my mood.

Thank you for the prayers this week Cynthia.

Hello all

The sun comes up it's a new day dawning
It's time to sing Your song again.
Whatever may pass and whatever lies before me
May I be singing till the evening comes.

This was the last worship song in church this morning and I'm still singing it even now!

Happy Sunday blessings to everyone today.

Good morning :-)

Collect (special prayer) for today
Lord of all life and power,
who through the mighty resurrection of your Son
overcame the old order of sin and death
to make all things new in him:
grant that we, being dead to sin
and alive to you in Jesus Christ,
may reign with him in glory;
to whom with you and the Holy Spirit
be praise and honour, glory and might,
now and in all eternity. Amen.


The Gospel reading is taken from John 14. "If you love me, you will keep my commandments".

Cx :-)

Good morning :-)


Dear God, please give me strength when I am weak, love when I feel forsaken, courage when I am afraid, wisdom when I feel foolish, comfort when I am alone, hope when I feel rejected, and peace when I am in turmoil. Amen.


Cx :-)