Reflection on returning from Walsingham

Reflection on returning from Walsingham - Father Richard writes:-

The water of Walsingham spreads wide and deep.

I recall one year at the end of an exceptionally dry summer, pilgrims were discouraged from taking back too many refils from the Holy Well, for fear of draining the source of supply.

Did this mean the healing effect of The Shrine as a whole was reduced that year? Not at all It is not primarily a physical gift we receive from Walsingham, but a spiritual one. We are inwardly healed. The torn and broken spirit is made whole. The number of physical healings is necessarily limited because even Our Lord's miracles were the outward visible sign of a deeper healing. The real miracle is to be cleansed and restored within, to know forgiveness and to be given strength to start again.

How many have returned from Walsingtham with fresh vision, fresh determination, fresh eagerness to renew the flame of love first kindled in baptism? This is the priceless gift and it must be shared. That way the whole parish benefits.