2 Responses welcomed.
Thank you.
Donald.
----- Forwarded Message -----
From: Anne Marie . . .
To: Fr Donald . . . .
Sent: Saturday, 21 April 2012, 8:38
Subject: Changed landscape
From: Anne Marie . . .
To: Fr Donald . . . .
Sent: Saturday, 21 April 2012, 8:38
Subject: Changed landscape
The picture of the cutting of the first sod clearly shows quite a
different landscape. I pondered upon that fact and I think it is very
symbolic that the community have not only changed the physical landscape but
have changed the land, direction and horizon for themselves and so many people
by their witness and fidelity to God. Laud Deo Semper.
Anne Marie
... from my iPad
... from my iPad
----- Forwarded Message -----
From: William W. . . .
To: Donald . . .>
Sent: Saturday, 21 April 2012, 16:29
Subject: Re: Nunraw New Abbey Album
From: William W. . . .
To: Donald . . .>
Sent: Saturday, 21 April 2012, 16:29
Subject: Re: Nunraw New Abbey Album
Dear Father Donald,
I am overawed by the feat of the creation of the Abbey that you have
opened up through this amazing archive. I have never so considered,
nor ever could have conceived of the immensity of the task had you not
given this opportunity to re-live it with you in this way. And how you
will be re-living it as you collate these photographs!
I have studied every photo, and have delved into Thomas Merton's
journals to read those of his daily jottings that describe life at
his abbey during the period of expansion there, to imagine and
enter more personally into the experience of these years of the creation of the
New Abbey. The pulse of life in the Community will have been tremendous, the
vitality with all uniting their skills and labouring together with
mission, driving forward the most outstanding project... to 'build our own
monastery'! The organisation, the practical aspects alone, must have
been daunting! It does make me feel how inadequate would have been
any contribution of my own... I stand in awe of you all.
I also gained an insight into the extent of the self-sufficiency of
Nunraw in those times - the crops, the sheep, the cattle - even the chicks!
Butter making and book binding (what wonderful psalters!), the sawmill and the
welding, all the skills for the general upkeep. In creating the monastery,
you created a unique expression of the love of God and by doing so,
brought a truly vocational experience into the life of all who participated.
How fortunate the lay people who were able to join you, and how
blessed the opportunity for the volunteers to share in the undertaking,
living and working so closely with you all, with such camaraderie amongst them
- their own camp, even to their own chapel. How this must have had its effect
on their lives
Every photograph tells its own story, as does every hewn stone... I
am fascinated, and truly overawed.
Thank you for this opportunity to enter more deeply into the life of
Nunraw.
With my love in Our Risen Lord,
William
----- Forwarded Message -----
From: Fr Donald . . .
To: . . . . . . . . .
Sent: Friday, 20 April 2012, 20:45
Subject: Nunraw New Abbey history of construction 126 from an Album
From: Fr Donald . . .
To: . . . . . . . . .
Sent: Friday, 20 April 2012, 20:45
Subject: Nunraw New Abbey history of construction 126 from an Album
Nunraw - An Album
Archiving the 'pictures' awakens vivid awareness the sense of
daunting in the task of the so called DIY of the New Abbey. The 'Do
It Yourselves' monastery lived the joy of monks and countless helpers
in kind and work and, support and enthusiasm.
Monastic prayer primed the spark for every next activity.
The living spirit filled our hearts in the amazing grace of collaborations in building a 'house of God'..
And here, the old story is proof that each 'gem' of picture is worth a million words!
Monastic prayer primed the spark for every next activity.
The living spirit filled our hearts in the amazing grace of collaborations in building a 'house of God'..
And here, the old story is proof that each 'gem' of picture is worth a million words!
+ + +
