Count Down to Abbatial Blessing

Hi, Andy, Count Down. It would more than enough to complete the Chronicle for this busy week. The last evening, Thursday, was to receive delivery of the abbatical (as you dub it) booklet – “Abbatial Blessing of Dom Mark Caira ocso, Assumption of Our Lady, 15th August 2009”. . Marquee (tent of meeting) On the morning of Tuesday, the construction of a large marquee, (the Tent of Meeting), began, making sure to have it secure for Saturday. The men worked like ship-riggers putting up the rib cage of ropes. However the wind was too blustery to get any further for the first day. Then early Wednesday morning the TENT seemed to appear from nowhere. It was suggested that I get photographs of the sight of the ship/ark wrapped in its outside rigging. Libera Eternal On the same evening, Wednesday, we had a very surprising diversion. In the Guest House, during the week, an unusual singing group stayed, rehearsed, and actually had professional recital at the Cathedral for Sunday Mass. Before Compline, for the farewell gift, the boys sang to us with the best of their repertory during the Refectory. The Conductor said the acoustics in the Refectory was excellent. The monks had not learned about the group. It did not take long to find out more. From the Net. “LIBERA ETERNAL” is a Website as at http://www.libera.org.uk/index.htm. The boys come from several schools in South London. "The singers of Libera who are aged seven to sixteen attend many different local schools in South London and come from a variety of backgrounds. Although they are boys and they sing, they do not think of themselves as choirboys, but rather as an alternative kind of boy band." The boys enjoyed their monastic holiday in Scotland, so strange to the young Londoners. A last twist to the excitement. On the same evening (Wed), a coach arrived from Latvia previously booked in the Guest House. Unfortunately the two groups overlapped for the accommodation. As can happen the required beds had to be found. Roof-top Viewing Come Thursday, more volunteers were to the fore in a major spring cleaning operation. For the rare occasion our helpers were welcome to the freedom of the cloister. For some roof top viewing, it was the opportunity to photograph the spectacle of the Ark At that level a glance finds a different view of the cemetery. Along the roof eves House Martins have their own homes. It is not easy to get close-ups but for the first time this House Martin was caught in focus. While on the roof top dander it was a place to find a more unusual view of the cemetery. The forecasts of weather are not encouraging. Regardless, this monastic "Tent Meeting" will make it all the more memorable. Yours Aye, Donald