Nunraw Candlemas

64th Anniversary of Foundation of Nunraw
February 2, 2008 .

Feast of the Presentation of Jesus at the Temple (also known as Candlemas, the Feast of the Purification of the Virgin or the Meeting of the Lord).

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 2^nd 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 Temple, leading in particular to the narrative from Lk 2, 28-40: There was also a prophetess, Anna, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was advanced in years, having lived seven years with her husband after her marriage, and then as a widow until she was eighty-four. She never left the temple, but worshiped night and day with fasting and prayer. And coming forward at that very time, she gave thanks to God and spoke about the child to all who were awaiting the redemption of Jerusalem.

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 Glasgow who took groups of the Legion of Mary to Russia. During the Cold War time of persecution of the Church among the Russian Guides there was always at least one who asked to be received into the Church. Staying at the Hotel during one trip the priest noticed a heavily built cleaning lady moving in and out. Then one day, looking very severe, she stopped the priest and somehow communicated her question, “Are you a priest?” When he said he was, her face lit up, opened her arms and gave him the biggest of Russian hugs. She brought out a small Icon which, she said, her daughter had painted. And her message was, “Don’t you ever think that the Church in Russia is dead”.

“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 Ireland' . It was a fortunate Fr Aelred who attended the course by Fr Michael Casey - I remember his learned writing in the Exordium program in 1998, in celebration of the 9^th centenary of the Order, which you shared with me. In my diary, I keep an entry for 26th Jan for The Holy Founders, Sts Robert, Alberic & Stephen which always brings that program to mind.

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.

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