February 2, 2008 .
Feast of the Presentation of Jesus at the
Observed by Anglicans, Catholics, Lutherans, Orthodox
At Nunraw the cloisters were in blackout this morning for the candle lit procession.
The candles were blessed, incensed and everyone had their candle in hand as we sang our way through the pre-dawn darkness.
It is wonderful how the simple ceremonial gave new significance to the change in the liturgical season regardless of manpower or performance.
The Intercessions highlighted the occasion as the anniversary of the first Mass offered at Nunraw on the Presentation 2nd Feb 1946.
The Liturgy of the Word received its crowning in the offering of the candles massed before the altar for the Eucharistic Prayer. Many communities make this the occasion for the renewal of their Vows – the apt expression of consecration.
On the previous evening Br. Patrick gave the Chapter Homily for the Solemnity. He concluded a well focused commentary on the mystery of the Presentation of Jesus in the
The role of the prophetess Anna reminded of hearing about the Bushkas, the elderly peasant women familiar in Russian Churches. He recounted the words of the Communist Guide who slightingly asked the visiting group, “When these Bushkas die off, where will your Church be?” Immediately one visitor replied, “There will be other Bushkas to take their place!” These old (and not so old) women, like Anna, (She never left the temple, but worshiped night and day with fasting and prayer), are a gift to the Church, sometimes praying for errant offspring, serving in the most mundane tasks, quietly evangelizing by their lives.
Later Br. Patrick added from his acquaintance with a priest in
“And so, as we stand in the temple and hold the Son of God and embrace him, let us pray to almighty God and to the child Jesus that we may be found worthy of discharge and departure to better things, for we long to speak with Jesus and embrace him. To him be glory and power forever and ever. Amen”. (From a homily by Origen). _________________________________________________________________
RESPONSE/COMMENT
Dear Father Donald,
How I should have loved to have walked in candlelit procession through the cloisters in the pre-dawn darkness into the Church, and to have witnessed "the offering of the candles massed before the altar for the Eucharistic Prayer". Truly It is most often in "the simple ceremonial" that the deepest devotion is to be found.
. . .
Of the Bushkas in Br Patrick's Chapter Homily, everyone will be able to recall in their past an elderly "Anna" who was always 'there' at the back of the church. There was a Miss Day when I was a boy. Returning as an adult to observe a special centenary of the church as my brother was preaching, she welcomed me warmly, the errant son of the village who had become a Catholic. The church was called St Mary's, and my brother preached a truly protestant sermon that inwardly offended me - he hadn't known that I would attend. After the service, helping to put back the chairs and thus busy myself away from everyone, Miss Day came to me in the vestry and handed me Our Lady's banner, asking me to carry it back to St Mary's chapel. I am convinced that the wise old Bushka knew my hurt.
The anniversary of the first Mass offered at Nunraw on the Presentation 2nd Feb 1946. What a wonderful celebration that must have been! I have enjoyed reading on your blog of the pioneer builders of the 'new abbey'. Your testament to the "Bible Scholar Bernhard Anderson" was delightful, and I have noted the title of his work in the hope that I might..."stumble on a copy of the book" like the novice Cistercian monk in the Knockmealdown mountains of
Fr Luke's anniversary is known to me, for when I gave him a calendar for the 'old prior's room', he told me that January 2009 was to be his 50th anniversary. I will have to find a very special calendar for next year for him!
Your blog is a continual delight! And shares your world far and wide, o'er hill and dale - as well as continents!
With my thanks always and my prayers,
William.