» The last weekend of March proved a busy one at the monastery. Bishop Philip was staying with some of his staff who were to form a Portsmouth diocesan selection committee interviewing eight prospective candidates for the priesthood who were also staying with us. Also here for several days were the knights and companions of the Order of Malta on their annual retreat. Their retreat master was Fr John Hemer MHM. Their robes added a dash of added lustre to the Sunday Mass. Hard their heels as they deprated came several seminarians from Allen Hall in London, who were making their pre-diaconate retreat under the direction of Fr Alban.
» The latest issue of The Douai Magazine is now available for collection at the back of the abbey church and at the monastery's reception. Those who have subscribed for it to be delivered by mail should be receiving theirs soon. The Magazine is still offered free, but any donations are gratefully accepted!
» On Wednesday last week Fr Abbot made is regular tour of our parishes in the Midlands. The same evening the Body of Sonia, Lady Fairfax was received into the abbey church, prior to her funeral the next day, whch was celebrated by Abbot Geoffrey assisted by a number of monks and a schola from the Douai Abbey Singers. May she rest in peace.
» Last Saturday Fr Abbot went to Wardour Castle to hear a lecture on the silverware belonging to that historic chapel.
» For the commnunity's Palm Sunday pontifical Mass an innovation was introduced: instead of processing from the parish church, always an akward affair, we processed from outside the library, skirting the edge of the library law to the west door of the abbey church. It was a great improvement and will become a regular feature of our Palm Sunday Mass from now on. This year the glorious warm sunshine gave the day a summer feel.
» This morning another stalwart of the abbey church congregation, Mary Bellhouse, died. She had been ill for some time but her death was still something of a surprise. May she rest in peace.
» For those interested in joining the monastic community for its liturgies in the abbey church over the Sacred Triduum, the times are as follows:
Maundy Thursday: Mass of the Lord's Supper — 8pm, followed by Adoration
Good Friday: Solemn Liturgy of the Lord's Passion — 3pm
Holy Saturday: Great Vigil Mass of Easter — 9pm
Easter Sunday: Solemn Mass of the Lord's Resurrection — 11am
Please note that on Easter Monday the monks' Mass will be at 9.15am.
The monastic community prays for all our benefactors, friends and associates a most blessed and grace-filled Triduum.
