Summer outing to Hereford and Belmont Abbey, 27th June 2009

The SVP kindly organised our eagerly awaited summer outing. We could not have wished for a better summer’s day. Blessed with a glorious morning with the sun graciously shining down upon us as we set off our on our coach journey over the new Severn Bridge catching the picturesque views of the rolling Welsh hills in the distant horizon.

Upon arrival in Hereford, the smallest city in England, we wandered at leisure visiting the many historical sites, including the Cathedral (housing the Mappa Mundi and Magna Carta exhibits, also the new stained glass dedicated to the 17th century poet and cleric Thomas Traherne in the Lady Chapel) which has stood on the site since Saxon times. Some of us had our lunch in the grounds of the Cider Museum, quenching our thirst with a most delightful glass or two of the cider produced there. Nearby stood the Catholic church of St Francis Xavier, an architectural gem saved from ruin and decay after a concerted effort by the local people. Its spectacular Gothic columns, in a flash brings one back to St Mary’s.

Our next port of call was Belmont Abbey, a Benedictine monastery founded in 1859. Wandering in the gardens surrounded by tall yew hedges, colourful rose beds and a fountain, we were warmly greeted by a monk who was calling for his dog, Badger. Some of us joined in to help look for her. It was a garden of peace and tranquillity listening to the symphony of birdsong.

A fitting close to the day was when Fr. Nico and Fr. Casimir celebrated Mass for the group in the Abbey church filled with its innumerable stone angels.

"St Benedict encouraged his monks to be aware of the Divine Presence and of his angels watching over us". On the spiritual level one could almost feel the presence of angels watching over us.

We remembered Fr. Michael especially at this time. Gathering round on and in front of the Altar joining hands to make a circle to pray the Our Father radiated a spontaneous feeling of love and unity... The SVP received a huge round of applause at the end of mass.

The Homily was given by Fr Casimir: Picture the performance of a wheelbarrow balanced on a tight rope between two high buildings which God is pushing. We can imagine ourselves in the wheelbarrow and having complete trust in God that he will safely bring us to the other side! He recalled his own call to the Priesthood when sometimes during the unknown journey he just had to trust in God totally.

After a welcoming cup of tea we embarked on the coach for the return to Bristol. The journey was broken by an announcement over the microphone, "Hello, hello...let us pray a decade of the rosary before you all fall asleep." What a fitting end to a wonderful, enriched and enjoyable outing.

We give grateful thanks to Fr. Nico and Fr. Casimir for their generous and valued time accompanying us. Till the next outing- watch this space!