News Summary
During the feast day of Our Lady of Walsingham, Sister Camilla Oberding emphasized the transformative power of pilgrimage at the U.S. National Shrine. Celebrating this significant event, she outlined the need for heart changes and the importance of Walsingham as a unifying site for Christian denominations. The community’s growth and commitment to prayer and service were also discussed, along with the shrine’s historical significance dating back to the 11th century.
Williamsburg, Virginia – Sister Camilla Oberding, a key figure from the Community of Our Lady of Walsingham, spoke about the transformative power of pilgrimage during the feast day of Our Lady of Walsingham on September 24, 2025. This event took place at the U.S. National Shrine of Our Lady of Walsingham, where she emphasized the need for heart changes throughout the pilgrimage experience.
Sister Camilla is the foundress of the English community of the Community of Our Lady of Walsingham, which has seen significant growth and dedication in recent years. During the celebration, she shared the stage with fellow sisters who are part of the same community, underscoring their collective mission and devotion.
The U.S. National Shrine, located in Williamsburg, Virginia, holds historical importance linked to a Marian devotion that spans over a thousand years. Its roots date back to the 11th century, coinciding with the original Shrine of Our Lady of Walsingham in England, where it is believed that the Blessed Mother appeared to noblewoman Richeldis de Faverches. Following the apparition, Mary instructed Richeldis to construct a replica of the house in Nazareth, where the Annunciation took place, which was miraculously completed. A priory was established on this site, serving as a major religious center until its destruction during the English Reformation under Henry VIII.
After the original shrine’s destruction, the site fell into disrepair but saw a revival of devotion through the Chapel of St. Catherine of Alexandria in the 19th and 20th centuries. This chapel, often referred to as the “Slipper Chapel,” marked the last stop for pilgrims who would remove their shoes before reaching the original shrine in England.
The Williamsburg shrine was officially established in 1942, when Father Thomas Walsh, a Virginia priest with a deep devotion to the Walsingham apparition, dedicated a small chapel at the College of William and Mary to Our Lady of Walsingham. Father Walsh’s commitment to the Walsingham apparition is believed to have been influenced by a visit to the site in England during the 1930s. Notably, a statue of Our Lady of Walsingham, which holds significance due to its architectural design, was commissioned by Walsh from sculptor Lillian Dagless.
The Community of Our Lady of Walsingham is described as an “ecclesial family of consecrated life,” dedicated to prayer and service. The sisters devote three hours each day to prayer while also engaging in various parish missions and apostolic works. Plans are currently underway to expand the community by inviting priests and brothers to join, in addition to the nearly dozen lay adherents already involved.
Sister Catherine Williams highlighted that Walsingham serves as a unifying location for various Christian denominations, referencing the Anglican-built Marian holy house located in the village. Sister Camilla spoke to the historical significance of the Walsingham site, emphasizing its vital role in evangelization and the importance of living graciously as Christians.
The date of September 24 has recently been recognized as the first feast day of Our Lady of Walsingham, following Vatican approval earlier that same year. This event further solidifies the shrine’s significance in the long history of converting England back to the Catholic faith, a journey that has unfolded over the past 950 years.
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Additional Resources
- Catholic News Agency
- Wikipedia: Marian Shrines
- Catholic World Report
- Google Search: Our Lady of Walsingham
- Dignity Memorial
- Google Scholar: Our Lady of Walsingham
- WYDaily
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Christian Pilgrimage
- Legacy.com
- Google News: Pilgrimage
Author: STAFF HERE WILLIAMSBURG WRITER
WILLIAMSBURG STAFF WRITER The WILLIAMSBURG STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREWilliamsburg.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Williamsburg, James City County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Williamsburg Farmers Market, Yorktown Market Days, and Busch Gardens Food & Wine Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Williamsburg Chamber of Commerce and Colonial Williamsburg Foundation, plus leading businesses in education and hospitality that power the local economy such as College of William & Mary, The Williamsburg Winery, and Sodexo. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREVirginiaBeach.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Virginia's dynamic landscape.
