Mark Caira Blessing

Abbatial Blessing
of
Dom Mark Caira

Assumption of Our Lady
15 August 2009

What story of the anticipation of the marquee, (Tent of the Meeting)? The count-down from previous Nunraw Blog of the singing of the ‘Libera Eternal’ boys from London, Roof Top View, and House Martin under the eves, continues through the fears of disaster. The sequel to the anticipation and preparing contained increasing worry about the weather of growing rains and winds. Greater concern for the visiting guests lead to fear of the conditions. Night and early morning heavy rains caused local floods making traffic detours through Haddington and Garvald. At the regular time of the Office of Terce on Saturday, singing the familiar verses of Psalm 18, the prospects still looked the worst. The voices of the choir were reinforced by the presence of the monks gathered for the Abbatial Blessing. The breathing of the Chant blended with the pouring sound of showers falling and the sight of the bending branches bowed before the winds. Then, as if, the sound of silence was felt in hearts grasping the significance of the verses of Ps. 18: 4-6 o There he has placed a tent for the sun/ It comes forth like a bridegroom coming from his tent rejoices like a champion to run its course. o At the end of the sky is the rising of the sun to the furthest end of the sky is its course. o There is nothing concealed from the burning heat. The law of the Lord is perfect. (Grail). Unchanging conditions continued. It was then time to have some sustenance, about 11.30, to prepare for the long ceremonies At mid-day, the showers ceased. By half twelve the sun showed through. The signs were at last set for course to clear the way and lifted the hearts of the welcoming the guest crowding in. Those words from Terce, “There he has placed a tent for the sun/, coming from his tent rejoices like a champion”, set the spirit and the Cardinal tool up the cue to lead the celebration throughout the prayer, praise, thanksgiving, and joy of the Abbatial Blessing.