The Funeral of Dame Joanna Jamieson OSB (21.01.1935-13.10.2025), Abbess of Stanbrook 1983-2007 The photograph that illustrates this post was one of a series taken, at the instigation of M. Joanna, shortly after she was elected abbess in 1983, of each member of the Stanbrook community. M. Joanna is holding a branch of what seems to […]
In November our thoughts turn to who have died, especially as we commemorate All Saints, All Souls and Remembrance Sunday. Of course, we like to think that our loved ones are in heaven, but we might be anxious that they died without being fully prepared to meet God. In this season we can draw hope […]
On Thursday 3 July we were pleased to welcome Brs Meinrad and Gildas, both junior monks in their first vows, from Belmont Abbey, who were visiting at Ampleforth Abbey for a few days and came across to Stanbrook with Fr Gabriel (Everitt) to spend part of the day with us and particularly to meet up […]
For 50 days the Paschal Candle has stood in church near the ambo – a strong reminder of the presence of the Risen Christ in our midst. After Vespers on Pentecost Sunday the candle will be transferred to the entrance of the church and will continue to remind us that ‘we are an Easter people’ […]
The psalm we sing on Fridays at Compline ends “Be strong, let your heart take courage, all who hope in the LORD.” (Psalm 31(30): 25 Abbey Psalter) I enjoy feeling built up by the strength this psalm imparts. In the English Standard Version (ESV) the same verse reads: “Be strong, and let your heart take […]
Good Friday, the day on which we solemnly celebrate the Passion, suffering and death of Our Lord Jesus Christ, can seem daunting, depressing, even terrifying at first sight. Julian of Norwich experienced a vision of the crucified Christ. In her book, ‘Revelations of Divine Love’, she relates in detail how, in the eighth revelation, she […]
At last, we reach the climax of our Lenten journey, the last days before we begin the Triduum. They have a special quality, days full of anticipation as we await the unfolding of the Paschal Mystery. It is well worth spending time with the Mass readings, especially the Gospels for these days as they each […]
The Donkey by G. K. Chesterton When fishes flew and forests walked, And figs grew upon thorn, Some moment when the moon was blood, Then surely I was born. With monstrous head and sickening cry, And ears like errant wings, The devil’s walking parody Of all four-footed things. The tattered outlaw of the earth, Of […]
O Emmanuel, Rex et legifer noster, expectatio gentium, et Salvator earum: veni ad salvandum nos, Domine Deus noster. O Emmanuel, our King and Lawgiver, the One for whom the gentiles longed and their Saviour, come and save us, O Lord our God! We come to the last and one of the shortest of the O […]
O Clavis David, et sceptrum domus Israel, qui aperis, et nemo claudit; claudis et nemo aperit: veni et educ vinctum de domo carceris, sedentem in tenebris et umbra mortis. O Key of David and Sceptre of the House of Israel! You open and no one can shut. You shut and no one can open: Come […]
O Radix Jesse, qui stas in signum populorum, super quem continebunt reges os suum, quem gentes deprecabuntur: Veni ad liberandum nos, jam noli tardare. O root of Jesse, you stand as a sign for the nations; kings fall silent before you whom the peoples acclaim. O come to deliver us and do not delay. Today, […]
O Adonai, et Dux domus Israel, qui Moysi in igne flammae rubi apparuisti et in Sina legem dedisti, veni ad redimendu nos in brachio extento. O Adonai and leader of Israel, […]