On Thursday last week Fr Abbot and Fr Godric travelled down to Buckfast Abbey in Devon, where they joined Fr Hugh and Fr Paul, who were Douai's delegates to the first ever English Benedictine Congregation (EBC) Forum of young Benedictines (ie under-55!). On Friday and Saturday, Frs Abbot and Godric, who sit on the EBC General Chapter, joined the other members of General Chapter for a plenary assembly with the Forum. The Forum presented a number of papers on a series of subjects relating to the future of the monasteries of the EBC, and the members of General Chapter, the EBC's highest legislative authority, were able to question the members of the Forum, who came from almost every monastery in the EBC, including the three American houses. On Sunday Fr Hugh returned to Douai. Frs Abbot and Godric remained at Buckfast for the Extraordinary General Chapter which is meeting on the heels of the Forum, and will deliberate on its papers. Fr Abbot should return on Thursday.
The guidebook for the exhibition of Wintour Vestments in the Library has been recieved from the printers and is now available for purchase from the Library for £5. It is in full colour and there are photos of every piece on display, accompanying detailed descriptions and commentaries. Alison, our archivist, has begun posting copies to the 60 or so people who pre-ordered.
The appeal for help to restore the patronal cope has met with success: a mere four donations have got us to the target of £1000. Now we will get firm quotes for the work and proceed as soon as possible. Our generous donors will be acknowledged and thanked in due course. For now, we wish them every blessing.
