Sprinkling
Sprinkling at the well is the pilgrimage devotion most distinctive to Walsingham. It is a reminder of its history and of our character as Christians.
The well at Walsingham is thought to date back to the 11th century and must have been used by those who knew the first Holy House. Receiving its waters therefore connects us with pilgrims across the centuries.
Going down to the well, as one does at Walsingham, also reminds us of descent into the font at baptism, when we were incorporated into Christ Jesus and our pilgrimage of faith began.
Sprinkling at the well is an opportunity to renew and deepen our union with Christ and to seek restoration of its expression in the unity of all Christians.
The liturgy begins with a scripture reading and an introductory homily. There is then a confession after which the pilgrims leave the Church to receive the waters. Directed to one of the priests they are first of all given a sip of water to drink, the sign of the cross is then marked upon their head with water and then the water is poured into the hands of the pilgrim. During this, the priest says the words "May almighty God, at the intercession of Our Lady of Walsingham, grant you health and peace".
With the water sprinkled into their hands, some simply let the water fall to the ground, a reminder of God's over-flowing bounty. Others splash the water on a part of their body which may be affected by sickness or weakness.
All then return to their places in Church for a concluding prayer and the Lord's Prayer. The liturgy of the Laying on of Hands and Anointing of the Sick then takes place.