Gaudium Paschale!

» On the Monday of Holy Week the kept a traditional Quiet Day in preparation for the Triduum. The services of the Triduum and Easter necessarily saw reduced congregations as a consequence of Covid, and the liturgies were streamlined in accordance with pandemic regulations. Nevertheless their enforced simplification was met with a notably enhanced sense of prayerfulness. The cold snap has not prevented the sun from shining, and those who have been to the abbey church will know the wonderful effects sunshine can have in there. By way of example, below is a photo from Fr Oliver from Good Friday. The Vigil was suitably solemn, and this year only the monastic choice sang On the Homilies page you can find Abbot Geoffrey's Vigil homily.

» On Good Friday we learned of the death of Diana Benbow, wife of the late George Benbow. Both will be remembered by Old Dowegians in the school when they were working in it. As housemother and secretary, Diana was of great help to Fr Godric in Ditcham House. May she rest in peace.

» As part of a planned, gradual programme of conservation, the historic portrait of Prioress Margaret Wake of the English Carmelites of Antwerp has been delivered in the past week to the restorers.