The Catholic National Shrine of Our Lady of Walsingham has announced it has received a donation of £4 million for its building development fund. The shrine is currently attempting to raise £6 million to improve its facilities, with plans including the development of upgraded pilgrim accommodation, new accommodation for the disabled, a retreat centre and a wet weather cloister. Speaking on Monday at Walsingham's Chapel of Reconciliation, Mgr John Armitage, the rector of the shrine, revealed the donation, saying that “in a very short period of time great things can happen.” “When I left on December 28 for my holidays I did not expect when I came back I would bring £4 million towards the building fund,” he said. “We have been greatly blessed that a donor has given to the building fund this remarkable sum of money. So let’s give thanks to this great generosity of this particular donor.” He added that the donation means there is £1.6 million left to raise towards the building fund “It is a great blessing on the shrine and please pray for the donor who is very sick at the moment,” Mgr Armitage said. The shrine is also seeking to raise a separate £4 million to develop its work.