Legion of Mary pilgrimage to Aylesford

Bishop Paul Hendrix with pilgrims at Aylesford

The Edel Quinn Legion of Mary Pilgrimage to Aylesford Priory in Kent, took place last Saturday, 3 May.

Monique Sinfailam was invited by North Surrey Legion of Mary to organise a coach trip from from Saint Boniface's church in Tooting, to Ayesford. She said: "I took it on as an act of faith. At first people were very slow coming, and I thought, ok, we aren't going to cover the cost of the coach hire, and I'll cover the expenses for you Mary out of love.

But Our Lady didn't fail me and following prayer dozens of people contacted me in the final few days so that only a few spare seats were left, and a full coachload of pilgrims enjoyed a day at Aylesford."

The journey to Aylesford was smooth and enjoyable. Prayers and hymns resounded along the motorway, and the journey was completed in no time.

There was time to explore the ancient Carmelite priority with its many shrines and open air sanctuary where Midday Mass was celebrated by Bishop Paul Hendrix of Southwark Archdiocese. After Mass Aylesford Prior Michael blessed people, while Bishop Paul prayed with pilgrims and participated in photographs

Lunch was enjoyed in the café and on the grounds, while some pilgrims chose to wonder through the serene Peace Garden, following the Carmelite example of prayer and contemplation amongst the garden flowers.

The several chapels feature different Saints, including a relic from founder Saint Simon Stock, where his cranium can be venerated, and pilgrims light votive candles for loved ones and special intentions.

Carmelite reformer Saint Teresa of Avila is celebrated and there is a shrine to Saint Ann, mother of Mary, with the Infant of Prague also featuring in one of the tiny, peaceful cell like chapels.

The arc of chapels that surround the main sanctuary is a little like a beaded rosary of prayer. Pilgrims can enjoy different varieties of holy art and sacred statues, praying for Saintly intercession and expressing their devotion of faith, and honour the Blessed Sacrament in the tabernacles the chapels. It is a place of interior peace and expansive beauty, available for enjoyment by many.

After lunch a glorious Rosary procession took place in the Rosary garden, where beautiful vibrant and colourful motifs depict each mystery along the outer rim of the garden, lined also with rose bushes and other shrubs.

Pilgrims formed a river of prayer, and processed slowly together, rosaries in hand, voices rising united, and testifying the enjoyment and joy of their faith.

The rosary was completed back in the main open air sanctuary where sun poured down, and the Blessed Sacrament was then exposed for prayer and Adoration.

All together the day was infused with reverence, devotion, peace and blessings.

Pilgrims returned to their coaches satisfied and uplifted.

Monique's friend Meeling is a leader of Junior Legionary leader from Our Lady Queen of Heaven primary school, and Our Lady Morning Star Secondary School.

Meeling was accompanied by Kaja and her daughter Catriona who are young Legionaries on pilgrimage and have been legionaries since they were six years old.

Junior Legionaries altar serve, give out Miraculous Medals to parishioners, and every May and October, celebrating the Month of Mary, children give out and pray Rosary with other children.

Meeling said "Our Lady chooses the children to come, and helps them pray. If they don't like it, they children leave, but lots carry on. We have 13 children now. I think it's an opportunity to learn about Our Lady, with help of our priest and spiritual director. Sometimes a child gives a talk, and the children have a discussion, and they love learning about Mary and the Saints."

Pilgrim Sean described how the pilgrimage fortified his work as a Legionary which he said "provides a solid structure and training for evangalisation. " As a Legionary members visit homes and talk to residents about their faith, answering questions about God and the Holy Family.

Karen Johnson is a pilgrim who is interested in the faith, and getting to know the Church. This is her second pilgrimage. "I found the day very inspiring, very calm, very peaceful. It inspired tranquillity and peace and people coming together. I think it will inspire me to come to church more than I do now."

LINKS

The Southwark Archdiocese pilgrimage will take place on 7 June. https://rcaos.org.uk/faith/jubilee-2025/events-pilgrimages

Learn more about the Legion of Mary: https://legion-of-mary-ny.org/what-is-the-legion-of-mary

Read about Legion of Mary East Africa Envoy Venerable Edel Quinn: https://legionofmary.ie/causes/profile/edel-quinn