Discovering Mary at Walsingham

Catholic theologian and Thought for the Day contributor, Professor Tina Beattie, unpacks some of the mysteries surrounding the Virgin Mary on a visit to one of the world’s most important pilgrimage destinations: the historic Norfolk village of Walsingham.

With its origins going back to Saxon times, Walsingham has been a focus of Marion devotion following a vision of the Virgin Mary to a local noble woman, Richeldis de Faverches, in 1061. Marking the Feast of the Assumption, when Mary was taken up, body and soul, into heaven, Tina Beattie visits both the Catholic and Anglican shrines of Walsingham to explore how Mary’s presence still draws people to this place of natural beauty.

Reflecting on the mystery of Mary’s immaculate conception, status as virgin mother, and bodily assumption, Tina explains how she has discovered Mary anew as the Mother of God and the beginning of a new creation in Christ. Tina is joined by Chine McDonald, director of the religious think tank, THEOS, who reflects on the experiences of motherhood.

Presenter: Professor Tina Beattie
Producer: Mark O’Brien