Diocese of East Anglia is now a fully ethical investor
November 10, 2024
East Anglia Diocesan Calendar for 2025 is now online
November 13, 2024
The Community of Our Lady of Walsingham (COLW) is marking 25 years of growth by launching the £2.5m Mary’s House Appeal, seeking funds for a mission house in Walsingham and improved facilities in Dereham.
On Sunday October 13, COLW marked a significant milestone: 25 years since its founding inspiration. It was on this day in 1999 that Sr Camilla, encouraged by others, first documented her vision for a new religious community. Over the years, this vision has flourished into an established and growing community. Recent highlights include Mairead’s first vows, Valentina’s entrance into the novitiate, and Rosie’s forthcoming initiation as a postulant on November 21.
Now, the community embarks on an exciting new chapter with the launch of Mary’s House Appeal. This campaign aims to raise funds for the purchase of a mission house in or near Walsingham, a place that has long been its spiritual home. Alongside this, the appeal seeks to improve facilities at the formation house in Dereham to accommodate the community’s growth.
Since 2011, when Bishop of Brentwood Alan Williams SM, then Shrine Rector, first invited COLW to serve in Walsingham, the community has relied on temporary local accommodation to carry out its mission. The purchase of a formation house in Dereham in 2017 marked a significant step forward, providing a permanent base. However, with increasing numbers and an expanding apostolate, the current facilities are no longer sufficient.
Sr Camilla said: “The proposed mission house in Walsingham will provide a stable presence in the location known as “England’s Nazareth.” It will serve as a base for retreats, spiritual guidance, and outreach, enabling the community to deepen its work and provide greater support to both local residents and pilgrims. Walsingham’s significance as a place of spiritual renewal makes this project an important step in advancing the mission of COLW.
“To bring this to fruition, COLW needs to raise £2.5 million, with £1.5 million needed by summer 2025 and the rest by Easter 2026. The success of Mary’s House Appeal depends on the generosity of supporters. The funds raised will enable the purchase of the Walsingham property and ensure it meets the needs of the growing community. Every contribution, regardless of size, will help bring this vision to life.”
For more details or to make a donation, visit www.walsinghamcommunity.org/maryshouseappeal. The community extends its gratitude to all who support this important endeavour.
