The organist librarian

Monday a.m. trains to Strawberry Hill and installed in comfortable room (although the bed was a bit narrow and I woke early every time). Unfortunately I managed to leave my conference file with my notebook and sketchbook behind so have to work from memory. The speakers were outstanding with contributions from Jerusalem, Rome, USA, Rome, Bangalore, Prague and Malta and from all over the country. I have made some new friends and contacts not least interfaith folk from Birmingham and Newcastle. We began with Norman Tanner on the history. It seems Paul VI in this encyclical influenced the Council and began the dialogue emphasis. Gavin d'Costa and Damian Howard and David McLoughlin were prominent. Mark Langham and Robin Gibbons came for 2 sessions and  Kallistos Ware. Abbot Timothy Wright introduced Of Gods and men and it was wonderful to see the film again and learn more of its context. On the Tuesday Archbishop Bernard Longley celebrated Mass and attended the reception and dinner. Th...

To Heythrop and played for Mass which went well. 4 in choir including Rocco.Damian celebrated and sang very well. In his homily he mentioned Islam! I played Ley on Down Ampney, Wyton on Veni creator and Willan on Vulpius - the Viscount organ is quite good and some folk didn't know I played. Went to coffee. Tutorial with Michael and it seems Damian studied music before theology at Cambridge. To library and had pizza - think I was overcharged as I had put £5 on my card and he asked for £2.10 more! Saw John Parks. To Meditatio and met Danny and Sr Owen. Kallistos Ware was excellent on Iraneus. 

To St Michael's West Croydon for a rare visit to the organ recital by Michael Bonaventure. He did play Bach and Widor but predictably modern stuff by Huw Morgan (who was present), David Bedford and himself. Got the new printer connected to my laptop and scanned photos for Peter and Joanne in Canada from old album. Served at diocesan Mass for Pope Francis - I was mitre and crozier! Then to Silence in the City talk by Metropolitan Kallistos Ware on word and silence - very good and he led meditation using the Jesus prayer. Home to watch tributes in Parliament to Mrs Thatcher, University challenge and Question of sport.

Played for Vincent's funeral at St Chad's organ had been tuned but some notes not working! 4 hymns Fr William gave us a warm welcome and the Carmelite priest spoke well and helped Ben do the eulogy. I felt for him! To work and DS came about mid term PRP. To Cathedral hall for talk on prayer by Metropolitan Kallistos Ware from Oxford. A good talk on the Jesus prayer and silent meditation. I would have liked to ask how silent prayer fits in the Orthodox tradition with other practices like prostrations and kissing icons but no time. Met Andrea Kelly from Mount Street and Pam was there. Chatted to Miriam, Maureen and Michael. Liz off to Ireland OK and Dennis pleasantly surprised. Watched Don Carlos on Iplayer.