The skies were growing dark again; cumulonimbus heralded possible thunder – and suddenly I was back in the real world again. But whilst I was within the walls of the Shrine, I felt held, totally safe, safer than I have ever consciously felt. I could understand why men and women came such distances to this place.
The Shrine shop, where I found myself without consciously going there, provided an ante-room to real life; one was necessary, as I was far from clear-headed. The African nun who was serving at the till was a cheerful soul – and her brightness brought me back a little more.
The shop is simply a cornucopia of religious images, books, rosaries, icons and candles. I could have spent a fortune, but as I did not have one, I bought a new Our Lady of Walsingham Rosary and pouch, some books on Our Lady, and a candle.
I sat on a small stone wall opposite the Shrine Shop. Did I, I wondered, feel up to the journey back, or should I rest a while? As I pondered, a very large taxi drew up opposite me; it had a London taxi number by the look of it. Out of it got a Nigerian woman in the most beautiful costume – the colours seemed entirely out of place as they lit up the darkening late afternoon. I don’t know she saw me. She looked nervous for a moment. She pulled out the largest suitcase I had ever seen on wheels; it looked more like a small car. She pulled herself up, made the sign of the Cross, and took herself off in the direction of the Shrine and its residences.
The taxi driver turned round, going past me as he did so. ‘You all right lady?’ he asked. I said I was and asked where he was going. ‘Back to eefrow, luv.’ He answered. The surprise on my face spoke for itself. ‘Yes, she’s from somewhere called Lagos, says she does this every couple of years – bit of a God-botherer if you ask me.’ No one had, but I guess he was right – as one ‘God-botherer’ was on the way home, another one took her place. So may it ever be.
The rain had held off. I walked across the road, and then up to ovlov, who was, by now, almost alone in the car park. I made the sign of the Cross – thanked Our Lady – and headed for the open road.
All Along the Watchtower 
I like ‘God-botherer’, has a good ring to it. 🙂
Sounds like a very good re-introduction to the real world.
LikeLike
Yes, it seemed somehow appropriate – although I am sure God would be smiling at the thought we were a bother. Yes, it set me up nicely for what was a surprisingly easy journey home.
LikeLike
My own view of God has always been of the stern, kindly uncle with a good sense of humor, who always wanted the kids to bother him with their concerns. 🙂
You sure don’t here stories like that about cab drivers like that over here! 🙂
LikeLike
Yes, I have always thought of God as a benevolent Father who knows what I am up to and would like me to be better at the good things and stop the bad ones 🙂
I have to say I was a bit thrown at seeing a London cab in the wilds of Norfolk – I did ask what a cab would cost, just out of interest, and was quoted £85! Still, it isn’t anywhere near a train route, and if you’re not driving.
LikeLike
Not as bad as I expected but, still your right. Fly into Heathrow, what are you going to do, walk? You’re either going to take a cab or rent a car, and that depends on whether you drive, on the wrong side of the road, no less, and I wouldn’t want to learn in traffic.
LikeLike
apparently, if you book a return trip in advance they can do you a deal – that didn’t sound unreasonable to me – about what it would cost with a train and taxi from Kings Lynn. Free market capitalism – can’t beat it.
LikeLike
Couldn’t agree more, maybe we ought to try it over here sometime. 🙂
Kings Lynn, I noticed it on the map and you mentioned it now, it sounds familiar to me and I’m no expert on small cities in Norfolk, anything pop into your mind that i might have read about it, in history most likely? Don’t get silly and do research, just off the top of your head.
LikeLike
Could be to do with Tom Paine, who I think had some connection with it.
LikeLike
Yes, I think he was from the area. It’s also not far from where the Serapis and Bonhomie Richard squared off. Thank you, that was going to bug me.
LikeLike
‘God-botherer’ hmmm, reminds me of the widow and the judge. Go on bother away.
LikeLike
Yes, I rather think I shall- though something tells me that like all loving fathers, He does not find it a bother at all 🙂
LikeLike
I’ve always had the most amazing peaceful times at monasteries. I’ve often wanted to do a retreat. I’m glad you had such amazing experiences. At least all of us God botherers can keep each other good company!
LikeLike
Yes, I really want to save up and go back for a week, but I was blessed by such Grace, that my few hours have enriched me so much. Good to have you here – and yes, the community we have here on our blogs is a good place to nourish us all x 🙂
LikeLike
Hello Jessica. You had a nice time in the holy trinkets store? Must be inspirational to be around all those mary images. I mean, even if they dont look anything like Mary, which they dont, it dosent matter. As long as it is a image made by human hands its good enough for you. Small ones large ones.They have eyes but they see not. They have mouths but they speak not. They have feet but cannot walk. They are dumb and so are the people who make them. Yes, its all about Mary, pray to Mary, she will help you. Look at the inviting graven images of her…its not her……might as well be cookie monster. A statue of cookie monster should work just as well. Just call it Mary. One day you should give Jesus a try.
LikeLike
Hello St. Bosco. If you stay with me for a few days, you might perhaps understand a little more. I hope so.
LikeLike
Your writing has me missing England. I truly loved living in England. That is one thing I love about you – you have that English kindness. People always say the English are “snooty,” but from living there I found them to be so well mannered – and I could live in the heart of London and hardly hear a horn honk!
I am glad that you enjoyed your pilgrimage. Thank you for sharing it with the rest of us.
LikeLike
ThAnk you for coming with me on it, and for being so encouraging about what I have written. 🙂
LikeLike
Pingback: The New Jerusalem, or Walsingham « nebraskaenergyobserver
Pingback: The New Jerusalem, or Walsingham « The Constitution Club
Hi Jessica, whats to understand? The catholic idolaters in Damiens site have given me all the lessons on catholicism i could ever need. Are you gonna show me why its the most natural and wonderful thing in the world to bow befor graven images? Or Mary? What did Mary say? She said…Do what ever He says……..not do whatever I say. Well, it doesnt matter. As long as you ask Jesus to come into your heart and make you born again you will be saved. Then all this false religion will go away and be replaced with the living god, not cement statues. Believe me and Jesus. Ye must be born again. Blessings from me Bosco and jesus. I see youve met the monkey on my back Eccles.
LikeLike
Pingback: Bare ruin’d choirs | All Along the Watchtower
Pingback: Our Lady of Walsingham | All Along the Watchtower