Restoration x2
» Scaffolding now dominates the abbey church both inside and out. Work should begin soon on the repairs and remedial work; it is possible that the abbey church could be restored to full use by Pentecost, though that is not certain at this stage. Below is Douai's own team which will be doing as much of the work as possible.
» Meanwhile Fr Gabriel has been busy restoring another monastery. Fr Beranrd's model of Reading Abbey as it was before its dissolution under Henry VIII in 1538, made with the assistance of boys in the school for an exhibition in 1970. It had taken some knocks over the years. Fr Gabriel is slowly working to restore it to its former glory, and enhancing its landscape features. Those who know the centre of Reading well will be able to spot features of modern Reading that have endured from the days of Reading Abbey, including the gatehouse and St Laurence's church. The restored model should be ready for its golden jubilee next year.
» Last weekend the monastery hosted Bishop Philip and his diocesan selection team as they assessed potential candidates for the priesthood in Portsmouth diocese.