Many feared it would be cancelled but everyone involved was very grateful that the Advent Day of Reflection could go ahead on Tuesday, 14th December 2021 at Buckfast Abbey. Around 40 participants gathered to reflect on the theme “faith and love will lead us”.
After a welcome coffee, Fr. Philip led a very interesting presentation on the work of St. John of the Cross. The presentation included two meditation sessions. The last one was very dramatically staged with the window blinds opening at the end – “after the darkness there will be light”.
After some free time, which led the ways of many into the Abbey shop, Fr. Philip held mass in the Blessed Sacrament Chapel. It was an especially moving moment when we all sang (behind masks) the Alleluia – the first singing together in almost two years. Mass was followed by a, as always, delicious buffet lunch.
In the afternoon Fr. Philip introduced us to the concept of St. John’s “Nada (Nothing)” – “Now that I no longer desire all, I have it all without desire” and this started quite an intensive discussion amongst us.
The day was fantastically organised on a spiritual level but also on a very practical level with keeping social distancing and following hygienic rules. I hope I can speak for all in saying that it was just lovely to be able to gather as a (small) church community, to see people whom we haven’t seen in ages and to talk face-to-face.
Thank you to Fr. Philip for organising a very special day
Iris Reiss Golumbeck