There is something satisfying about travelling the entire length of a railway line. Shortly I will be leaving for Waterloo where I shall take a train to Portsmouth Harbour. The catameran will then take me to Ryde, home of St Cecilia's Abbey, a thriving community of Benedictine nuns who sing the whole office and Mass in Latin every day. Their life is the traditional Benedictine life according to the rule. No surprise that they have a steady stream of vocations. I count a number of old friends among the community and it will be great to see them. Tomorrow morning I will be celebrating Mass for the community - Novus Ordo, entirely in Latin, sung according to the Solesmes conventions about as perfectly as it is possible here on earth.
Here is a photo from a previous visit where I was celebrant for Vespers and Benediction. I think that I did clink the chains.
5 comments:
St Cecilia's is undoubtedly very close to heaven. You should go. Or failing that, listen to some of their cds.
One of my favorite places in the entire world. God bless your travels.
Father, would you greet Sr Mary-Thomas from me, if you have the chance. Thank you! :)
I'm told you threw the sisters off balance with an unexpected seasonal Ite, Missa est! :)
I'm not used to singing the Novus Ordo in Latin - just guessed that it was the right thing to do %-)
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