sanctuary@walsingham with guest speaker Eduardo Verastegui!
Thursday 27 Monday 31 August 2009
For regular updates on the plans for Walsingham this year, see the new Youth 2000 blog!
For this summer's Walsingham programme, click here!
This year at our Walsingham Prayer Festival we wil be joined by Eduardo Verastegui!!
Eduardo Verastegui is a Mexican actor and singer who had an amazing conversion experience! At the height of his career, when he finally established himself in Hollywood, he decided to give up his secular lifestyle and use his talents to serve God.
He acted in and produced the film "Bella", an amazing pro-life film which has won many prizes including the People's Choice Award at the Toronto Film Festival. He also founded 'Metanoia Films', a production company in Hollywood, determined to make films that relect faith and virtue.
He is also an active international speaker on pro-life issues and continues to share his powerful testimony and inspire young people to follow a path that leads to Christ. He is coming to talk to us about 'The Call to Holiness' and we are looking forward to welcoming him to the UK.
During sanctuary@walsingham, you can find peace with God, chill out, meet new people and get back on track. The 5-day retreat is taking place at the Catholic shrine of Our Lady of Walsingham in Norfolk. It'll include a range of talks, life-changing services and time for quiet prayer.
Who is this event for?
Young adults in their late teens/twenties who want to reconnect with God. Families are also most welcome.
When is it?
Over the bank holiday weekend in August. Registration starts on the afternoon of Thursday 27 August. This five-day event finishes at lunchtime on Monday 31 August.
How do I book?
To book, download the booking form and post it to us at the address on the form. If you're under 18, you'll also need to ask your parents to fill in a parental consent form.
Why is it in Walsingham?
Walsingham is a major place of pilgrimage, housing the Roman Catholic National Shrine to Our Lady in the Slipper Chapel at Houghton St Giles. It's also a beautiful area, so look forward to strolls through the country lanes to the village of Walsingham itself and chilled-out sunsets over the rolling hills. Visit the shrine website for more information about Our Lady of Walsingham and the origins of the pilgrimage centre.
How do I get there?
By Car
There are some great print-out directions you can download from the website of the Roman Catholic shrine. The postcode (for your sat nav) is NR22 6AL (avoid the ford by the shrine).
By Rail/Bus
The nearest rail stations are Norwich and Kings Lynn, which are both 27 miles away. However, you can then get a bus from Norwich to nearby Fakenham from Norwich.
By Coach
£20 per person. Pickup is from Westminster Cathedral at 12 noon on Thurs 27th August, and 7pm on Fri 28th August. The return buses will both leave Walsingham at around 12 noon on Mon 31st August. For more information or to book the bus, please contact Vincent on kulvchill@yahoo.com
Please note that the Thursday coach is already half- full! Book now to avoid disappointment.
Please note that seats will be allocated on receipt of payment. If you have difficulty with paying the full cost and you would like to come please contact the National Office. Cheques should be sent to Youth 2000 at 36 Nightingale Square, Balham, London, SW12 8QN.
National Express also operate a daily service from London Victoria to Fakenham (5 miles away from Walsingham).
By Coach from Scotland
Leaving Craigmillar (Edinburgh) at 6am on Thursday 27th August, stopping at Falkirk Services, Cumbernauld High Street and St. Andrew's Cathedral (central Glasgow). Leaving Walsingham for return journey at 2pm on Sunday 30th August. Price £20, £10 non-refundable deposit needed to secure seat. (Anyone in genuine financial difficulty, please email to discuss the limited numer of seats at a reduced amount.) Travel is by air conditioned coach with plenty of luggage space for camping equipment. Fundraising events to raise money for the bus and Youth 2000 will take place - please check 'Youth 2000 - Glasgow' Facebook group for more information or email the following address. To reserve a seat on the coach, please contact christinawya@gmail.com
What happens at a Youth 2000 retreat? Click here to find out!
Where would I stay?
You have several choices when it comes to accommodation bringing your own tent, sleeping in one of the Youth 2000 marquees, or staying in a hotel/B&B in Little Walsingham village. If you're staying in a tent or in one of the marquees, all you'll need to bring are a sleeping bag, roll-mat, wash kit, torch and ear plugs. Please don't bring expensive items such as an iPod or jewellery. Please don't forget your Bible for the Introduction to the Bible workshop.
Bringing your own tent
This is a popular option. There are two fields right next to the main pilgrimage site, one for men and one for women. There is also a family field. The fields contain portaloos and there is always lots of room to pitch your tent. A bus arrives in the morning to take campers on a shower run. There are also toilet facilities within the shrine complex across the road.
Staying in one of the marquees
If you don't have your own tent, there are two giant marquees in which to sleep again, one for men and one for women. If you choose this option, we strongly recommend that you bring a roll-mat or airbed and a pair of ear plugs, as you will be sharing the tent with quite a lot of other people (although there's always enough space!).
Staying in a hotels or B+B
These tend to get booked up pretty quickly because there aren't very many and they tend to be small (but well-run!). Prices range from £20 to £50 for a single room. They are mainly based in Little Walsingham village a short (10 min) walk away from the pilgrimage site. Some options include:
Pilgrims Rest
61 High St, Little Walsingham, Walsingham, NR22 6BZ
Phone: +44 (0)1328 820043
Black Lion Hotel
Friday Market Pl, High Street, Little Walsingham, Walsingham, NR22 6DB
Phone: +44 (0)1328 820235
St Hilary's House
Cleaves Dr, Walsingham, NR22 6EQ
Phone: +44 (0)1328 821688
The Old Bakehouse Guesthouse and Tearooms
33 High Street, Little Walsingham, NR22 6BZ
Phone: +44 (0)1328 820454
The Bull Inn
8 Common Pl, Walsingham, NR22 6BP
Phone: +44 (0)1328 820333
Other numbers to try:
Catholic Pilgrimage Bureau +44(0)1328 820217
Hospice of Our Lady of Walsingham +44 (0)1328 820239
Robin Hood Public House - +44 (0)1328 820252
Knights Guest House +44 (0)1328 820200
Another option would be to try calling guest-houses in nearby Fakenham (5 miles away), if you have a car and are able to drive there.
Policy on under 18s and over 35s:
If you are bringing
under 16s to the Festival: they
must be accompanied by a responsible guardian, at a ratio of 1 adult to every 5
children.
Can I help promote sanctuary@walsingham?
Yes, if you would like to promote this event in you parish please
contact the National Office and we will be able to provide you with a short
note for the parish bulletin, publicity material and a short talk that could be
given at the end of Mass. Contact details are as follows: 020 8675 2743 or info@youth2000.org