Once I was a clever boy learning the arts of Oxford... is a quotation from the verses written by Bishop Richard Fleming (c.1385-1431) for his tomb in Lincoln Cathedral. Fleming, the founder of Lincoln College in Oxford, is the subject of my research for a D. Phil., and, like me, a son of the West Riding. I have remarked in the past that I have a deeply meaningful on-going relationship with a dead fifteenth century bishop... it was Fleming who, in effect, enabled me to come to Oxford and to learn its arts, and for that I am immensely grateful.


Saturday, 20 August 2016

A quiet Saturday at Belmont


Today was our first full day at Belmont, and given over to our Retreat. We all turned up for Matins at 6.30 this morning and followed the monastic regime through the day.


Image result for Belmont abbey

Belmont Abbey church from the north

Image: Jason Pacey Photography 

Fr Jerome is giving his retreat addresses on the links between the Days of Creation, the Ages of the World and the Virtues.

For these we meet in a book lined room adjacent to the abbey church and its Holy Door, but otherwise read or walk as we wish in the buildings or grounds.

I have been reading John Cassian's Monastic Institutes - which consists of two parts, On the Training of a Monk and The Eight Deadly Sins  - and which was translated by Fr Jerome and published in a very attractive edition by the Saint Austin Press in 1999.

 http://www.benedictines.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/Refectory-960x700.jpg

Grace before a meal in the refectory at Belmont 

Image:benedictines.org.uk 

No comments: