Panel of Monastic musicians
Set off on Monday - 2 and half hours by train via Clapham Junction to Reading then Thatcham and back to Midgham. Met Sr Julian from Stanbrook now at Wass and Br Reginald from Canterbury. We were met at the station and driven to Douai Abbey which is a lovely place with a high light airy church with clear windows. The accomodation was comfortable with a shower in the large room and nice outlook over woods. The school is now rebuilt as housing. I soon slipped into the pattern of Latin Vespers and compline and Mattins and Lauds at 6.25 a.m. and midday office. The food was excellent and the company delightful.
I particularly enjoyed talking to Fr Martin from Downside, the sisters from Lewes with their international connections, Michelle from Roscrea and the sisters from Quidenham, Minster and Ware.
Michelle Moran gave us insights into the Synod in Rome on the Word of God which were very valuable especially Tom Wright's. It turns out she used to live in South Norwood!
David Bednall composer and sub-organist at Bristol spent a lot of time on pointing and the music he had written for the Mass based on the chant. He improvised at the services. John Rowntree was very friendly.
Martin Baker was as always brilliant introducing chant in English and improvising at Mass superbly.
There was time to read and walk in the countryside near the abbey. The library is being built. It was good to see Dom Romauld Simpson again - he has been very ill.
On the last evening the Douai community joined us for dinner and a social and I chatted to Damian a novice. Today I enjoyed time playing the Tickell organ in the abbey church. At the AGM there was some criticism of the SSG which Thomas Muir defended. A pity. 2 hours journey home. I am tired as did not sleep so well on 3rd night - bed seemed narrow!
I particularly enjoyed talking to Fr Martin from Downside, the sisters from Lewes with their international connections, Michelle from Roscrea and the sisters from Quidenham, Minster and Ware.
Michelle Moran gave us insights into the Synod in Rome on the Word of God which were very valuable especially Tom Wright's. It turns out she used to live in South Norwood!
David Bednall composer and sub-organist at Bristol spent a lot of time on pointing and the music he had written for the Mass based on the chant. He improvised at the services. John Rowntree was very friendly.
Martin Baker was as always brilliant introducing chant in English and improvising at Mass superbly.
There was time to read and walk in the countryside near the abbey. The library is being built. It was good to see Dom Romauld Simpson again - he has been very ill.
On the last evening the Douai community joined us for dinner and a social and I chatted to Damian a novice. Today I enjoyed time playing the Tickell organ in the abbey church. At the AGM there was some criticism of the SSG which Thomas Muir defended. A pity. 2 hours journey home. I am tired as did not sleep so well on 3rd night - bed seemed narrow!
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