It was a pleasure to welcome so many OGs, current and past parents, Oblates of St Gregory the Great & St Frances of Rome, and members of the Wider Community to Downside on Saturday 27th April for a Retreat Day.
The day began with Solemn Mass in the Abbey Church alongside Fr Michael Patey, Dom Leo (B72) and Dom James (B72). The music was beautifully accompanied by Mr McNamara on the organ, with pupils Paweł and Aleksander ably supplying trumpet and voice. Joszko provided incense whilst Ella, Jaime and Orson were acolytes and crucifer.
Before lunch, we all gathered in the Gasquet to listen to Dom Leo’s talk on the theme of ‘Our Baptismal Vocation to Follow Christ’. This was insightful and informative, outlining the centrality of the Easter Vigil in the liturgical calendar.
In the afternoon, retreatants divided for tours of the Abbey Church with Patrick Magee (R71) and Dom James; and the Abbey Gardens alongside Dom Leo. We visited the sacristy and learnt more about each of the Chapels; and outside, Dom Leo told us about specific trees (including the champion sycamore) and the old Petre swimming pool, as well as some funny anecdotes from his time as Headmaster.
After the tours, we returned to the Gasquet for a session of Lectio Divina. Martin Kochanski (U72) read the passage of The Walk to Emmaus and we reflected on the words spoken by Jesus, and a picture by Daniel Bonnell called Pondering Angels on the Road to Emmaus. We carried words that were important to us into our prayer, as we participated in Eucharistic adoration, confession and benediction.
Finally, we ended the day with cream teas in the Weld.
Thank you so much to all who joined us for such an enjoyable gathering, with special thanks to Fr Michael, Dom Leo, Dom James, Patrick Magee (R71) and Mr McNamara for all their help.
