» The last week and a half has been heavy on things patrimonial. On 10 November our Florentine Madonna finally returned after a long period of restoration by eminent conservator Ruth Bubb. The restoration has lightened the painting immensely and revealed details previously unnoticed. It has returned to its home in the long cloister.
» This past week the new Short History and Guide of the Library was received from the printers. Written by Abbot Geoffrey and designed and produced by Fr Hugh, it will meet a growing demand for information about the Library and Archives, and their contents. It will soon be on sale for £5 in the Library.
» This past week 21 Benedictine senior educators stayed at Douai for a brief retreat led by Fr Gabriel of St Benet's, Oxford. The weekend before there was an oblates' retreat here led by Fr Gervase. This weekend we have a number of seminarians from Wonersh on retreat with us. All these activities reflect something of our traditional involvement in the life of the Church.
