Wales: LMS pilgrimage to Holywell

St Winefride's Well

More than 200 people processed to an ancient pilgrimage site in Flintshire, North Wales on Sunday at the Latin Mass Society's annual Holywell Pilgrimage. Coaches from London joined local pilgrims at the event which began with High Mass at St Winefride's Church followed by a Rosary procession to St Winefride's Well, reputed to be the oldest pilgrimage site in Great Britain.

LMS Local Representative and Committee Member Kevin Jones said: "Despite persistent heavy rain prior to the Mass, a good number of pilgrims turned up - we estimated 235, an increase on last year. Thankfully, the rain gave way to fragile sunshine in time for the procession."

Kevin continued "The Latin Mass Society has a long association with Holywell and this was not only a fitting event in which to worship in the Extraordinary Form but also to mark our special relationship with Holywell in the Society's Golden Jubilee year, It was a wonderful occasion enhanced by excellent musical accompaniment which received many positive comments."

The shrine has been dubbed 'the Lourdes of Wales' because of its reputed healing properties, stories of those healed can be read at the Well. This is the only Shrine in England and Wales not to be destroyed during the Reformation years.

Next in the LMS events calendar is a pilgrimage to Wrexham Cathedral on Saturday 1 August. This starts with High Mass at 11am followed by Benediction and veneration of the relic of LMS patron Saint St Richard Gwyn.

2015 marks the 50th anniversary of the Latin Mass Society.

For more information see: www.lms.org.uk email: clare@lms.org.uk _____________________________________________________________________