Sunday, September 16, 2007

The Poor Clares...

...of Arkley, near Barnet, hosted a Family Day for local families today. It began with a picnic in the September sunshine, and then Fr Daniel, from the Oratory, gave a talk to the young people, and there were activities for the small children - which seemed to include making hats out of cardboard plates, as some good-natured parents were later seen wearing some of these creations - while I spoke about "Feasts and Traditions" to the grown-ups. We were invited to use the sisters' Parlour - which in traditional style is a room with a divider built across it, so that the sisters can welcome guests while still remaining within their Enclosure. We were too many for the guests' bit, so spread over the two, with me perched on the dividing ledge. The sisters were busy around their daily routine - we saw some in the garden - and were happy simply to have us all there, which was very kind, and the whole atmosphere was welcoming and delightful. It was well worth the long cycle ride - there's a good deal of Barnet and it goes on Barneting for a good while as you toil along from the station out towards Arkley...all pretty and pleasant. Things finished with a Mass and then Benediction - which I couldn't attend as I had to get back home. For those interested in such things, I'll note that the Mass was in the Extraordinary Form of the Roman Rite!

Yesterday evening I did a very cheery and pleasant interview for the Catholic Times - with my own parish priest, Fr Peter of St Joseph's, New Malden. The current edition features an interview with Fr Stephen of Balham.

1 comment:

Frabjous Days said...

They were models of St Michael the Archangel, not hats!!

Loved your talk, and as you say it was a wonderful day.