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      The importance of Walsingham and Taizé

      Lesson details

      Learning outcome

      I can explain the importance of pilgrimage and the significance of Walsingham and Taizé for Christians.

      Key learning points

      1. A pilgrimage is a religious journey to a holy site/sacred place; it is an act of worship and devotion.
      2. Walsingham is a village in Norfolk, England, and has been a Christian pilgrimage site since the 11th century.
      3. Walsingham became a place of pilgrimage after the Virgin Mary appeared in a vision to Richeldis de Faverches.
      4. Taizé is a Christian ecumenical monastic community founded in the village of Taizé, France, in 1940 by Roger Schutz.
      5. Pilgrims go to Taizé to gather, pray, reflect, and connect across traditions in an atmosphere of peace and simplicity.

      Keywords

      • Monastic - refers to living a religious life in a distinct community and being focused on prayer and devotion to God

      • Pilgrimage - a religious journey to a holy site/sacred place; it is an act of worship and devotion

      • Taizé - a Christian monastic community founded in the village of Taizé, France, in 1940

      • Walsingham - a village in Norfolk, England, which has been a Christian pilgrimage site since the 11th century

      Common misconception

      Only people who are religious go on pilgrimage.

      Anyone can go on a pilgrimage, whether they are religious or not. However, most pilgrims are religious.

      Teacher tip

      The official Shrine of Our Lady of Walsingham website has a section called 'School Resources.' In this you will find videos of pilgrims talking about the experience of the impact of pilgrimage to Walsingham. There are also some useful guides to what happens to bring this topic to life for pupils.

      Licence

      This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2026), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0
      except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions
      (Collection 2).

      Lesson video

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      Prior knowledge starter quiz

      5 Questions

      Q1.
      Baptism and the Eucharist are considered by many Christians.

      Correct Answer: sacraments, Sacraments

      Q2.
      What do some Christians believe happens during baptism?

      a person joins the clergy
      Correct answer: original sin is washed away
      the Holy Spirit appears visibly

      Q3.
      The Eucharist remembers Jesus’ death and .

      Correct Answer: resurrection, Resurrection

      Q4.
      Where do the practices of baptism and the Eucharist originate?

      Correct answer: Jesus’ own actions and instructions
      the teachings of Paul
      Early Church councils

      Q5.
      How often do many Christians celebrate the Eucharist?

      only at Easter
      once in a lifetime
      Correct answer: regularly, often weekly

      5 Questions

      Q1.
      Match each key term to its correct meaning.

      Correct Answer:monastic,refers to living a religious life in a distinct community

      refers to living a religious life in a distinct community

      Correct Answer:pilgrimage,is a religious journey to a holy site/sacred place

      is a religious journey to a holy site/sacred place

      Correct Answer:Walsingham,a Christian pilgrimage site in Norfolk, England

      a Christian pilgrimage site in Norfolk, England

      Q2.
      Why is Walsingham a pilgrimage site?

      because a cathedral was built there
      Correct answer: because Richeldis de Faverches had a vision of the Virgin Mary there
      because of famous relics

      Q3.
      Where is Taizé located?

      Correct answer: France
      Italy
      Germany

      Q4.
      What kind of atmosphere does Taizé promote?

      luxury and comfort
      Correct answer: peace and simplicity
      noise and celebration

      Q5.
      Are only religious people allowed to go on pilgrimage?

      Correct answer: yes, it's only for believers
      no, anyone can go
      yes, it's only open to monks and priests

      To help you plan your 10 religious education lesson on: The importance of Walsingham and Taizé, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...