Our Lady of Walsingham is coming to a seminary near you! What is a "cell" of OLW? Well, I'm glad you've asked. A cell is the Shrine's word for a society or group. We're forming the Sewanee Society of OLW to focus devotion to OLW as well as awareness. Our first priest associate is going to be The Rev. Walter B. A. Brownridge, Associate Dean of Community Life for the seminary. We have several other ordained clergy who are interested and we'll get them signed up as priest associates of the "Holy House" so that Father Walter isn't alone.Some ideas that are being kicked around include having a monthly High Mass commencing next term that would be on a Sunday evening in Chapel of the Apostles (COTA). This we would do up right: subdeacon, deacon, incense, the whole deal! We're also hoping to have the new icon of OLW blessed and installed in the Lady Chapel inside of COTA directly above the votive candles as site of pilgrimage for prayer and intercession to Our Lady. The icon will be a permanent gift to the Seminary in thanksgiving for the School of Theology.
In addition to a monthly mass, we're thinking of having a reception or dinner following which could highlight guest clergy and speakers. We could also put together a booklet of devotions specific for Sewanee and OLW at Sewanee. So really, the sky is the limit. We plan to open this up to everyone: undergraduate students, faculty, alumni, spouses, community members, everyone!
So stay tuned. If you're on FaceBook, we've created a group, "Sewanee Society of Our Lady of Walsingham" to publish news and events there. Join and invite a friend or two!
