This is my last journal entry regarding my sabbatical in Britain. In past entries, I wrote of the various places that I visited with some tongue-in-cheek musings on the food, vocabulary, media as well as my own reflections on the nature of my sabbatical.
The one area that I should address is religion. As you may know from your study of history, Britain was heavily influenced in its ancient history by the religion of the Celts. The coming of the Roman Empire introduced mythological gods which were adapted by the Celtic people to some degree. The greatest impact came from Christian evangelization of Britain with St. Patrick, St. Columba and other notable missionaries. By medieval times, numerous abbeys were already established--each wielding considerable political and religious power. Under the Tudor dynasty, Christianity was furthered until the conflict with Henry VIII over his marriage to Catherine of Aragon. Failing to secure an annulment from Rome, Henry severed ties with Rome, and proclaimed himself the head of the Church in England. He then confiscated most of the abbeys and church property throughout Britain. Both the Catholic and Protestant faith were favored depending on which monarch was in power. At different times, both Protestants and Catholics were persecuted and many were martyred on both sides.
It was not until the mid 1800's that Parliament allowed the re-establishment of the Catholic hierarchy in Britain. Prior to that time, there were still Catholic parishes in and around Britain but they were very much autonomous without any leadership to speak of. In the last 100 years, many dioceses and bishops have been established. To some degree, the bishops of Britain remain vocal about moral issues and are occasionally criticized by the powers that be. Of course, we all know that the Church of England itself is conflicted over various issues and has experienced recent schism as a result.
England appears to be one of the most secularized societies in Europe. No doubt, this is due, in part, to the various religious conflicts of the past. Church membership here is the lowest in Europe and most people don't seem to be very interested in the practice of religion. There are many wonderful church buildings--Anglican cathedrals dot the English landscape-- but they are little more, it seems, than nice places to hold flower shows or musical performances. The fact that most of the well known Anglican cathedrals charge admission to tourists reveals the lack of support that comes from having solid congregations. At no time did I find a Catholic cathedral or parish that asked for an admission fee.
The English media also appears to be very much anti-religion. Criticizing and even making light of both the Anglican and Catholic hierarchies is in vogue. When the former Prime Minister, Tony Blair, indicated his desire to become Roman Catholic, the media had a field day. Caricatures of him and the Pope were common fare in the morning newspapers. When the Vatican issues a statement or teaching about a moral issue, the negative response is quick. Recently, a prominent self-proclaimed atheist wrote an editorial criticizing the Church for being backwards and irrelevant. There is also a strong push to make abortion legal on demand without any restrictions whatsoever. England has the highest abortion rate in Europe. The decline in personal morality is directly proportional to the decline in religious belief.
That aside, there is very much a Christian spirituality that is still evident here. There are numerous retreat centers such as the one I have resided in these past three months. There is an ecumenical movement here which shows Anglicans and Roman Catholics coming together to deal with social concerns. There are thousands of priests and religious from Ireland who make England their home and are busy spreading the Gospel. There are faithful clergy and religious in Scotland, England and Wales. The Catholic hierarchy of Britain is not afraid to speak out and is slowly reestablishing its identity. While the persecution of Christianity continues in various ways, the faith is alive and well--making strides as it always has even in times of difficulty.
I am grateful to have experienced the opportunity for my own spiritual renewal here in England. As I take leave of Hawkstone Hall, I pray for the spread of the Gospel in Britain and for a revitalization of the Gospel in a land that boasts many ancient saints and holy people.
Fr. Perry
Wednesday, July 18, 2007
Saturday, July 14, 2007
Beatle Boots
Quick! What’s the first thing that comes to mind when you think Liverpool? If you answer “The Beatles” or “Fab Four” or “Lennon and McCartney,” you are correct!
LIVERPOOL is the place where a young John Lennon met a young Paul McCartney. Together, they formed a band and the rest is history. I made that journey through history at the Beatles Museum in Liverpool. It is an unassuming place outside but, once you walk through the doors, you enter into another time in the history of Rock ‘n’ Roll. With a headset to guide me, I walked through a maze of passages which recounted the early life of the Beatles in picture and sound: how they came together to form a band, what musicians of the time influenced them, and how their career took off in the early ‘60’s. In every room, there are original instruments used by the group including other personal affects. One room is a re-creation of "The Cavern" —the pub where the Beatles played numerous times before becoming international stars. In a room dedicated to John Lennon, I was able to look through his famous tinted glasses. The piano on which he composed “Imagine” is there with hand-written lyrics. Overall, it was a great experience and a “must see” place for fans of the Beatles.
Liverpool itself is a port city and the home of a powerful football (soccer) club. But it is also a depressed area. High unemployment and juvenile delinquency have left their marks on the city that was once known for its ship building and prosperous ports. Today, you can walk through some revitalized areas with interesting shops but it is not without having to pass by dilapidated housing, graffiti-marked walls and trashy streets.
My time in Liverpool ended with a visit to the Roman Catholic Cathedral. It was built in the 1960's and was very controversial given its strange design. The Cathedral is built in the round--seating about 2000 people. The outer wall has several smaller chapels--each dedicated to a particular virtue or gift of the Holy Spirit and each designed with different colors and works of art. Compared to the lofty Anglican Cathedral just down the street, the Catholic Cathedral may not be so impressive but it has the warmth and friendly feeling of a parish church that is an active place of worship.
In contrast to Liverpool, YORK is a classy, ancient city which boasts a 2000 year old history. Founded as a Roman outpost, it passed through the hands of the Normans and Saxons before being rebuilt in medieval times. Under the hugely impressive structure of York Minster (Anglican Cathedral), excavations have uncovered the remains of a Roman fort, a Saxon church, a Norman church, and a medieval church. A Roman well under the foundation of the present church still gathers water which flows to the sea! The Cathedral boasts some of the largest stained glass windows in Britain. One window --nearly 1000 years old-- contains illustrations from every book of the Bible and is considered to be one of the finest examples of medieval stained and painted glass. York is also a great place to window shop. I found stores and outlets that would be familiar to U.S. shoppers. For those who don’t care to shop, tea houses and pubs are ready to serve you any time of the day.
My time in Liverpool and York were memorable and presented me with two very different pictures of life in Britain.
Fr. Perry
LIVERPOOL is the place where a young John Lennon met a young Paul McCartney. Together, they formed a band and the rest is history. I made that journey through history at the Beatles Museum in Liverpool. It is an unassuming place outside but, once you walk through the doors, you enter into another time in the history of Rock ‘n’ Roll. With a headset to guide me, I walked through a maze of passages which recounted the early life of the Beatles in picture and sound: how they came together to form a band, what musicians of the time influenced them, and how their career took off in the early ‘60’s. In every room, there are original instruments used by the group including other personal affects. One room is a re-creation of "The Cavern" —the pub where the Beatles played numerous times before becoming international stars. In a room dedicated to John Lennon, I was able to look through his famous tinted glasses. The piano on which he composed “Imagine” is there with hand-written lyrics. Overall, it was a great experience and a “must see” place for fans of the Beatles.
Liverpool itself is a port city and the home of a powerful football (soccer) club. But it is also a depressed area. High unemployment and juvenile delinquency have left their marks on the city that was once known for its ship building and prosperous ports. Today, you can walk through some revitalized areas with interesting shops but it is not without having to pass by dilapidated housing, graffiti-marked walls and trashy streets.
My time in Liverpool ended with a visit to the Roman Catholic Cathedral. It was built in the 1960's and was very controversial given its strange design. The Cathedral is built in the round--seating about 2000 people. The outer wall has several smaller chapels--each dedicated to a particular virtue or gift of the Holy Spirit and each designed with different colors and works of art. Compared to the lofty Anglican Cathedral just down the street, the Catholic Cathedral may not be so impressive but it has the warmth and friendly feeling of a parish church that is an active place of worship.
In contrast to Liverpool, YORK is a classy, ancient city which boasts a 2000 year old history. Founded as a Roman outpost, it passed through the hands of the Normans and Saxons before being rebuilt in medieval times. Under the hugely impressive structure of York Minster (Anglican Cathedral), excavations have uncovered the remains of a Roman fort, a Saxon church, a Norman church, and a medieval church. A Roman well under the foundation of the present church still gathers water which flows to the sea! The Cathedral boasts some of the largest stained glass windows in Britain. One window --nearly 1000 years old-- contains illustrations from every book of the Bible and is considered to be one of the finest examples of medieval stained and painted glass. York is also a great place to window shop. I found stores and outlets that would be familiar to U.S. shoppers. For those who don’t care to shop, tea houses and pubs are ready to serve you any time of the day.
My time in Liverpool and York were memorable and presented me with two very different pictures of life in Britain.
Fr. Perry
Saturday, July 7, 2007
Independence Day
Well, another Independence Day has passed but, in many ways, it has been a very unique one for me.
First, it is only the second time that I can remember being out of the country during the 4th of July holiday. The first time was back in my high school days when I visited Mexico. Even then, our tour guide bought some illegal fireworks and we had fun lighting them at night and tossing them at each other! Only in Mexico!
Secondly, even though I received many good wishes from the group here on the occasion of our independence day, it was clear that it wasn't necessarily something many Brits think about. Perhaps that has to do with the fact that we were once their colony and that they still hold a bit of ill-feeling about our ability to successfully throw off the yoke of the British monarchy over 230 years ago. I'm not sure if this is a valid excuse given the fact that many Brits would like to rid themselves of the monarchy. Suffice it to say that, with the exception of sympathetic feelings for Queen Elizabeth, most of the population doesn't seem to care much about Prince Philip, Charles, or any other member of the Windsor family.
The more plausible explanation for the low key acknowledgment of US Independence Day might be that most of the UK is now preoccupied with its own struggle with terrorism which has reared its ugly head again. Several weeks ago, two cars rigged to explode near a popular London market were found. Fortunately, they failed to explode and were successfully defused. Then, a few days ago, two terrorists rammed their burning vehicle into the entrance of Glasgow airport. While no one was killed, the incident sent shock waves through Britain and instigated a massive search operation that resulted in the arrest of 7 alleged terrorists-- nearly all of them employed as health care professionals in Britain.
During the past several days, the British Broadcasting Company (BBC) has covered little else during its news programs and the video of a burning vehicle stuck in the doorway of the airport has been etched into the minds of most people.
In a particularly poignant way, the threat of terrorists seeking to create chaos in Britain reminded me of the cost of freedom that both the U.S. and Britain enjoy. That freedom has made it possible for both nations to open their doors to immigrants from almost every corner of the globe looking for a better way of life. But the same freedom has also opened our doors to those who seek to undermine that freedom. Whatever gripe some may have towards our nations, it is unimaginable that some people would be willing to maim and kill innocents to express their frustration.
So, in my own quiet way, I offered a little prayer for the United States on this 4th of July and joined in everyone else's prayer for the well-being and protection of the British people during this time.
Fr. Perry
First, it is only the second time that I can remember being out of the country during the 4th of July holiday. The first time was back in my high school days when I visited Mexico. Even then, our tour guide bought some illegal fireworks and we had fun lighting them at night and tossing them at each other! Only in Mexico!
Secondly, even though I received many good wishes from the group here on the occasion of our independence day, it was clear that it wasn't necessarily something many Brits think about. Perhaps that has to do with the fact that we were once their colony and that they still hold a bit of ill-feeling about our ability to successfully throw off the yoke of the British monarchy over 230 years ago. I'm not sure if this is a valid excuse given the fact that many Brits would like to rid themselves of the monarchy. Suffice it to say that, with the exception of sympathetic feelings for Queen Elizabeth, most of the population doesn't seem to care much about Prince Philip, Charles, or any other member of the Windsor family.
The more plausible explanation for the low key acknowledgment of US Independence Day might be that most of the UK is now preoccupied with its own struggle with terrorism which has reared its ugly head again. Several weeks ago, two cars rigged to explode near a popular London market were found. Fortunately, they failed to explode and were successfully defused. Then, a few days ago, two terrorists rammed their burning vehicle into the entrance of Glasgow airport. While no one was killed, the incident sent shock waves through Britain and instigated a massive search operation that resulted in the arrest of 7 alleged terrorists-- nearly all of them employed as health care professionals in Britain.
During the past several days, the British Broadcasting Company (BBC) has covered little else during its news programs and the video of a burning vehicle stuck in the doorway of the airport has been etched into the minds of most people.
In a particularly poignant way, the threat of terrorists seeking to create chaos in Britain reminded me of the cost of freedom that both the U.S. and Britain enjoy. That freedom has made it possible for both nations to open their doors to immigrants from almost every corner of the globe looking for a better way of life. But the same freedom has also opened our doors to those who seek to undermine that freedom. Whatever gripe some may have towards our nations, it is unimaginable that some people would be willing to maim and kill innocents to express their frustration.
So, in my own quiet way, I offered a little prayer for the United States on this 4th of July and joined in everyone else's prayer for the well-being and protection of the British people during this time.
Fr. Perry
Tuesday, June 26, 2007
Let It Reign
As I write this entry for my blog, I am staring out of my second story window overlooking rolling fields of green dotted by sheep and goats. Such has been my bedroom view for nearly 9 weeks. The site of newborn lambs, kid goats, and the occasional family of badgers who come out after dusk remind me that I am in an environment that is very different from life in the big city (if Fresno can be called a big city). Rural England has provided me with much needed shelter from the sound of traffic, blaring music, telephones and the constant chatter of people so that I could enter into these 90 days without outside distraction. And, just in case that environment was not enough to convince me of the importance of slowing my pace, the weather here has imposed itself in such a way as to prevent me from doing more than I should! In the month of May alone, we received four inches of rain. Even as I sit at my computer writing these words, we have been hit with another rainstorm. The wind makes its way through the old windows of this building howling as it passes through. The rain batters the roof creating a constant rhythm which can lull one to sleep! The clouds are dark and threatening and pass over as on some quick journey to another place. Yet, even as I begin to lament the wet weather, the sun will peak out for a brief moment to remind us that it is still present and that, in time, it will invite us outside to enjoy the warmth of its rays. In the meantime, we are encouraged to remain still and let nature have her way. I am reminded that I am only one small part of a big world (and even bigger cosmos) which God has wondrously brought into being.
In today’s session, we heard how God’s plan of salvation includes all of creation. Even the smallest parts of creation play some role in the unfolding of God’s plan of redemption and salvation. Each aspect of the created world is interconnected and interdependent (as we are seeing now in the environmental issues confronting us). But the centerpiece of this eternal plan is the human person who finds his/her identity and meaning in the person of Jesus. In Jesus, we see a person who was one with the created world. He valued all life and, in his suffering, death and resurrection, he redeemed all life. Not only did Jesus’ work of salvation bring hope and new life to the human person, but to all creation. As St. Paul writes in Romans: “All creation groans as it awaits its redemption.” That redemption is made possible through the person of Jesus whose reign is embracing all of the universe and its parts. This is what we proclaim in our Creed when we say of Christ, “through him all things were made.”
How interesting that such a leap of faith can be made by simply pausing and reflecting on the beauty of the world around us! In the face of creation, we can only stand in awe of the Creator whose love has been made known to us in the person of Jesus— the Lord of heaven and earth. This is what has been shared with me over the course of these past several weeks in both rain and shine.
I am thankful for the time I have been here and hope to bring the spirit of this experience back with me to my ministry
Fr. Perry
In today’s session, we heard how God’s plan of salvation includes all of creation. Even the smallest parts of creation play some role in the unfolding of God’s plan of redemption and salvation. Each aspect of the created world is interconnected and interdependent (as we are seeing now in the environmental issues confronting us). But the centerpiece of this eternal plan is the human person who finds his/her identity and meaning in the person of Jesus. In Jesus, we see a person who was one with the created world. He valued all life and, in his suffering, death and resurrection, he redeemed all life. Not only did Jesus’ work of salvation bring hope and new life to the human person, but to all creation. As St. Paul writes in Romans: “All creation groans as it awaits its redemption.” That redemption is made possible through the person of Jesus whose reign is embracing all of the universe and its parts. This is what we proclaim in our Creed when we say of Christ, “through him all things were made.”
How interesting that such a leap of faith can be made by simply pausing and reflecting on the beauty of the world around us! In the face of creation, we can only stand in awe of the Creator whose love has been made known to us in the person of Jesus— the Lord of heaven and earth. This is what has been shared with me over the course of these past several weeks in both rain and shine.
I am thankful for the time I have been here and hope to bring the spirit of this experience back with me to my ministry
Fr. Perry
Monday, June 18, 2007
a perfect 10
My 12 weeks of sabbatical are not just about traveling, I have been participating in various workshops as well.
Each week, we have a speaker who facilitates a morning workshop. The topics have ranged from The Journey Into the Inner Self, Our Story as Spirituality, the Beginning of the Gospels, The End of the Gospels, and The Journey Into the Inner Self (part 2). In the remaining weeks, we will have presentations on topics such as Jesus: An Unfinished Portrait, Issues Facing the Church, etc. Each morning has 90 minutes of workshop time (with appropriate tea/coffee break). As you might imagine, 31 priests and religious have lots to say about these topics and our discussion is always lively.
On Tuesday afternoon, I am involved in a 1 hour workshop on the Enneagram. The Enneagram is a personality/spirituality inventory which helps us identify certain qualities and traits that are operative within us. I don’t know if it means anything to you, but I am a “9” on the Enneagram. This “category” identifies certain leadership strengths and weaknesses which are evident in our particular ministries. I have to say that the Enneagram as a tool is very accurate and has confirmed a certain self-knowledge on my part.
On Thursday afternoons, I am involved in a small workshop called Ministry Concerns. This session addresses particular needs of people in ministry. I became aware of the fact that most of the members of the group are nearing the end of their ministries as they look forward to retirement. Some of them are leaving mission territory and returning to their native homes. A few of the younger members (like me) take a look into the future to discern the direction of our own ministries. I have found a lot of helpful insight and affirmation for my parish ministry. Let's just say that I have no plans to take up another career.
Friday afternoon is free time but I decided to take a class on watercolors. As some of you know, I have tried my hand at painting but never with water colors. So far, I have painted a tree, a flower, the sky and water. Now the real challenge is to put all of this together on one page and not make a mess! Someone in the group told me to keep my day job. I think they are right.
One thing that has become evident to me through all of these classes and workshops is how God has been part of my life’s journey. This is becoming increasingly clear to me as I have taken time these past several weeks to reflect on my ministry. After 20 years of priesthood, I realize just how blessed I have been. Yes, there is room for growth and change and the future years will see such things. Still, I am grateful for what has been and I am excited about what is to come.
Fr. Perry
Each week, we have a speaker who facilitates a morning workshop. The topics have ranged from The Journey Into the Inner Self, Our Story as Spirituality, the Beginning of the Gospels, The End of the Gospels, and The Journey Into the Inner Self (part 2). In the remaining weeks, we will have presentations on topics such as Jesus: An Unfinished Portrait, Issues Facing the Church, etc. Each morning has 90 minutes of workshop time (with appropriate tea/coffee break). As you might imagine, 31 priests and religious have lots to say about these topics and our discussion is always lively.
On Tuesday afternoon, I am involved in a 1 hour workshop on the Enneagram. The Enneagram is a personality/spirituality inventory which helps us identify certain qualities and traits that are operative within us. I don’t know if it means anything to you, but I am a “9” on the Enneagram. This “category” identifies certain leadership strengths and weaknesses which are evident in our particular ministries. I have to say that the Enneagram as a tool is very accurate and has confirmed a certain self-knowledge on my part.
On Thursday afternoons, I am involved in a small workshop called Ministry Concerns. This session addresses particular needs of people in ministry. I became aware of the fact that most of the members of the group are nearing the end of their ministries as they look forward to retirement. Some of them are leaving mission territory and returning to their native homes. A few of the younger members (like me) take a look into the future to discern the direction of our own ministries. I have found a lot of helpful insight and affirmation for my parish ministry. Let's just say that I have no plans to take up another career.
Friday afternoon is free time but I decided to take a class on watercolors. As some of you know, I have tried my hand at painting but never with water colors. So far, I have painted a tree, a flower, the sky and water. Now the real challenge is to put all of this together on one page and not make a mess! Someone in the group told me to keep my day job. I think they are right.
One thing that has become evident to me through all of these classes and workshops is how God has been part of my life’s journey. This is becoming increasingly clear to me as I have taken time these past several weeks to reflect on my ministry. After 20 years of priesthood, I realize just how blessed I have been. Yes, there is room for growth and change and the future years will see such things. Still, I am grateful for what has been and I am excited about what is to come.
Fr. Perry
Friday, June 8, 2007
Try on a kilt
Just having returned from seven days in Scotland, I had to take a few moments to remember all that I saw and did. Let’s start with geography.
Scotland is really a beautiful mix of lochs (lakes), glens (valleys) and mountains (bens). Even though it can be seriously cold and stormy as one travels north of England, we were blessed with sunshine and a steady sea breeze throughout. Interestingly, the sun doesn’t seem to set in Scotland. We were blessed with a colorful horizon until 10 PM or so every evening. By 4:30 am it was alright daylight!
Edinburgh (pronounced Edin-burrow) is an ancient city—now a busy metropolis. We attended Sunday morning Mass at the Roman Catholic Cathedral. The priest was a young Scot with a delightful accent who gave a nice homily to about 1000 people at the 11:30 AM Mass. I noticed that the liturgy was a mix of old and new. A choir of about 20 people sang most of the Mass parts in Latin (including the Gloria and Creed). They processed into the Mass singing and did the same for the recessional. For Communion, we knelt at the Communion rail while the priest and a woman lay minister distributed Communion. Communion cups were optional over to one side. At the end of the Mass everyone knelt for the final prayer and blessing. Following Mass, everyone was invited into a cafeteria where lunch was served. Some of us enjoyed fresh croissants, jam and coffee or tea. I introduced myself to him after Mass as a visiting American priest. He was shocked and said, "I haven't seen the likes of your kind around here! Will you have a wee bit of tea with us?"
Next, we walked to Edinburgh Castle which overlooks the city. Built on an ancient volcano, its high walls are surrounded by lava rock. Inside the castle, we were able to visit various rooms such as the royal residence (where King James VI was born), the crown jewels, the great hall where knight’s armor and weapons are displayed, and a special room where the “stone of destiny” sits—an ancient squared stone on which medieval kings were crowned. Statues in the castle reminded me of the important figures of Scottish history: King Robert the Bruce, William Wallace and more. We were also privileged to witness a marriage ceremony between an American and Scotsman. He was dressed in formal kilt while she was in traditional white. After they were married, a wonderful bagpiper let loose on his pipes!
The next day we visited Loch Lomond—the largest fresh water loch (lake) in Britain. We took a tour boat around the loch where we were able to see huge castles and estates where some of the rich and famous have stayed. In the nearby village of Luss, we visited a small church (Church of Scotland) which was celebrating its 1,500th anniversary! While the present building was built in the 1800’s, the parish itself has existed for 1,500 years! The minister was dressed in tartan pants (red plaid) and a long black overcoat with a Roman collar. He was the epitome of a Scotsman and was very hospitable as he welcomed our group of Roman Catholics into his Church! Apparently, he has a large outreach to students from Europe who come to his parish for retreats and mission work.
The last few days of our time were spent in the seacoast city of Oban. Oban is an important link to the islands which sit off the west coast of Scotland. Among the most famous is Iona. Iona was the place to which St. Columba came bringing Christianity to the region. The old abbey was built in the 6th century and is surrounded by huge Celtic crosses—some dating back 1000 years or so. Nearby are the ruins of an old "nunnery" Iona is a peaceful island with only a few hundred residents. From the mainland, it takes about 40 minutes to arrive by ferry boat.
One of the more laid back events during our time in Scotland was a visit to a little distillery which makes some of the finest Scotch Whiskey in the area. Not only were we treated to some samples but enjoyed a great meal that evening with Scottish dancers, fiddlers and bagpipes. Outside the restaurant is the most important thing in the area—a highland cow that is the biggest animal I’ve seen up close. Highland bulls are covered with long fur and a huge set of horns. I took some great photos of him (his name is Hamish).
Other sites in Scotland included a trip to a cemetery that has Viking gravestones, a brief visit to Loch Ness (no monster to be seen), and some smaller castles along the Scottish coast. All in all, it was a memorable seven days.
And, no, I didn't try on a kilt!
Fr. Perry
Scotland is really a beautiful mix of lochs (lakes), glens (valleys) and mountains (bens). Even though it can be seriously cold and stormy as one travels north of England, we were blessed with sunshine and a steady sea breeze throughout. Interestingly, the sun doesn’t seem to set in Scotland. We were blessed with a colorful horizon until 10 PM or so every evening. By 4:30 am it was alright daylight!
Edinburgh (pronounced Edin-burrow) is an ancient city—now a busy metropolis. We attended Sunday morning Mass at the Roman Catholic Cathedral. The priest was a young Scot with a delightful accent who gave a nice homily to about 1000 people at the 11:30 AM Mass. I noticed that the liturgy was a mix of old and new. A choir of about 20 people sang most of the Mass parts in Latin (including the Gloria and Creed). They processed into the Mass singing and did the same for the recessional. For Communion, we knelt at the Communion rail while the priest and a woman lay minister distributed Communion. Communion cups were optional over to one side. At the end of the Mass everyone knelt for the final prayer and blessing. Following Mass, everyone was invited into a cafeteria where lunch was served. Some of us enjoyed fresh croissants, jam and coffee or tea. I introduced myself to him after Mass as a visiting American priest. He was shocked and said, "I haven't seen the likes of your kind around here! Will you have a wee bit of tea with us?"
Next, we walked to Edinburgh Castle which overlooks the city. Built on an ancient volcano, its high walls are surrounded by lava rock. Inside the castle, we were able to visit various rooms such as the royal residence (where King James VI was born), the crown jewels, the great hall where knight’s armor and weapons are displayed, and a special room where the “stone of destiny” sits—an ancient squared stone on which medieval kings were crowned. Statues in the castle reminded me of the important figures of Scottish history: King Robert the Bruce, William Wallace and more. We were also privileged to witness a marriage ceremony between an American and Scotsman. He was dressed in formal kilt while she was in traditional white. After they were married, a wonderful bagpiper let loose on his pipes!
The next day we visited Loch Lomond—the largest fresh water loch (lake) in Britain. We took a tour boat around the loch where we were able to see huge castles and estates where some of the rich and famous have stayed. In the nearby village of Luss, we visited a small church (Church of Scotland) which was celebrating its 1,500th anniversary! While the present building was built in the 1800’s, the parish itself has existed for 1,500 years! The minister was dressed in tartan pants (red plaid) and a long black overcoat with a Roman collar. He was the epitome of a Scotsman and was very hospitable as he welcomed our group of Roman Catholics into his Church! Apparently, he has a large outreach to students from Europe who come to his parish for retreats and mission work.
The last few days of our time were spent in the seacoast city of Oban. Oban is an important link to the islands which sit off the west coast of Scotland. Among the most famous is Iona. Iona was the place to which St. Columba came bringing Christianity to the region. The old abbey was built in the 6th century and is surrounded by huge Celtic crosses—some dating back 1000 years or so. Nearby are the ruins of an old "nunnery" Iona is a peaceful island with only a few hundred residents. From the mainland, it takes about 40 minutes to arrive by ferry boat.
One of the more laid back events during our time in Scotland was a visit to a little distillery which makes some of the finest Scotch Whiskey in the area. Not only were we treated to some samples but enjoyed a great meal that evening with Scottish dancers, fiddlers and bagpipes. Outside the restaurant is the most important thing in the area—a highland cow that is the biggest animal I’ve seen up close. Highland bulls are covered with long fur and a huge set of horns. I took some great photos of him (his name is Hamish).
Other sites in Scotland included a trip to a cemetery that has Viking gravestones, a brief visit to Loch Ness (no monster to be seen), and some smaller castles along the Scottish coast. All in all, it was a memorable seven days.
And, no, I didn't try on a kilt!
Fr. Perry
Thursday, May 31, 2007
Speaking of...
Brits speak funny! (Sorry, but it’s true). Here are some changes in vocabulary that I have become accustomed to over the past month:
Napkins (nappies) = diapers
Serviette = napkin
Boot = car trunk
Mackintosh = jacket
Jumper = sweater
Porridge = oatmeal
Trousers = pants
Pants = underwear
Chips = French fries
Crisps = Potato chips
Loo = toilet
Post = mail
Flat = apartment
Lorry = truck
Chemist = pharmacist
Patch = bandage
Hoover = vacuum cleaner
Motorway = highway
Stone = 14 pounds
GP = General Practitioner
MP = Member of Parliament
One way to speak like a Brit is to overuse the word “lovely” when referring to things you enjoy. For example, “Isn’t the rain lovely today?” or “Isn’t this lovely porridge?”
Here’s a funny thing: this evening they actually served dessert after the meal. I made the mistake of asking what it was. “It’s rhubarb custard pudding with clotted cream!” Isn’t that lovely?
Fr. Perry
Napkins (nappies) = diapers
Serviette = napkin
Boot = car trunk
Mackintosh = jacket
Jumper = sweater
Porridge = oatmeal
Trousers = pants
Pants = underwear
Chips = French fries
Crisps = Potato chips
Loo = toilet
Post = mail
Flat = apartment
Lorry = truck
Chemist = pharmacist
Patch = bandage
Hoover = vacuum cleaner
Motorway = highway
Stone = 14 pounds
GP = General Practitioner
MP = Member of Parliament
One way to speak like a Brit is to overuse the word “lovely” when referring to things you enjoy. For example, “Isn’t the rain lovely today?” or “Isn’t this lovely porridge?”
Here’s a funny thing: this evening they actually served dessert after the meal. I made the mistake of asking what it was. “It’s rhubarb custard pudding with clotted cream!” Isn’t that lovely?
Fr. Perry
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