ARGER crowds of pilgrims than ever came to Glaston 4 bury, Somerset, last Sunday to honour Our Lady St. Mary of Glastonbury. They came from all parts of the extensive diocese of Clifton and from far beyond, for in this centenary year of the Apparitions at Lourdes Glastonbury was named one of the special shrines at which a plenary indulgence can be gained by pilgrims attending in an organised body. The pilgrims gathered on the slopes of Glaatonbury Tor, where Blessed Richard Whiting, the last Abbot of Glastonbury, and his companions, Blessed Roger James and Blessed John Thorne, were martyred. As Bishop Rudderham approached, the whole crowd sang the Lourdes hymn.
The Bishop briefly directed the intentions of the pilgrimage, reminding the assembly that this was not just a day out but a pilgrimage, and that any of the inconveniences and minor hardships associated with such an event should be accepted in the spirit of pilgrimage.