Saturday, 16th October 2010: The visit to Sancta Maria Abbey, Nunraw, Garvald, by Haddington, East Lothian, which had to be postponed earlier, place today. Dames and Knights were welcomed by Abbot Mark.
The Order of Service printed by Dom Donald, OSLJ.
The pictures illutrate the procession in the Lady Cloister.
Senior Chaplain Most Rev John G McConnell organized the successful event. The members at home in this unusual experience of monastic enclosure. They could enjoy the live Chapter presided by the Abbot with Chev Ron and Senior Chaplain John, learning about the daily life of the monks.
The Homily by Dom Raymond, Abbot Emeritus, beautifully expressed the spirit of the Order of St. Lazarus of Jerusalem - on the moving poem of 'Courtesy' by Hilaire Belloc, see below.
Courtesy Hilaire Belloc
Of Courtesy, it is much less Than Courage of Heart or Holiness, Yet in my Walks it seems to me That the Grace of God is in Courtesy. On Monks I did in Storrington fall, They took me straight into their Hall; I saw Three Pictures on a wall, And Courtesy was in them all. The first the Annunciation; The second the Visitation; The third the Consolation, Of God that was Our Lady's Son. The first was of St. Gabriel; On Wings a-flame from Heaven he fell; And as he went upon one knee He shone with Heavenly Courtesy. Our Lady out of Nazareth rode - It was Her month of heavy load; Yet was her face both great and kind, For Courtesy was in Her Mind. The third it was our Little Lord, Whom all the Kings in arms adored; He was so small you could not see His large intent of Courtesy. Our Lord, that was Our Lady's Son, Go bless you, People, one by one; My Rhyme is written, my work is done. |
