Happy Easter.
Christ is Risen, He is Risen indeed, Allelujah!!
As we bathe in the joy of Easter surrounded by the flowers of spring, I’ve been reflecting on the Lent and Holy Week that was, and all that brought us to this marvellous Easter Season.
New for this year, we travelled through Lent in a marvellously ‘Beaulieu Abbey’ way, following in the footsteps of those who have gone before us.
After a fun filled afternoon tossing pancakes up Beaulieu High Street with Beaulieu Village School children, the next day on Ash Wednesday there were three opportunities for people to experience the imposition of Ashes. This included our new ‘Ashes to Go’ on Beaulieu High Street, and for many people it was the first time they came to experience this day in such a sacred way.
Following on, our first Lenten gathering was on Friday 14th March. This session called "Words of Wisdom," was an exploration of faith and spirituality. I wove together readings from Scripture with guided breathing exercises, Christian meditation, and mindfulness techniques, creating a contemplative atmosphere that invited participants to deepen their walk with God.
We drew inspiration from the rich heritage of faithful mystics. These included 20th-century writers Etty Hillesum and Viktor Frankl, who exemplified the transformative power of faith in the midst of darkness. Our meditation on a "single raisin", inspired by St. Julian of Norwich's profound reflections on the love of God, became a poignant reminder of the beauty and simplicity of Christ's presence in our lives, and the importance of appreciating even the most insignificant of God’s creation.
Our second Lenten gathering was on Friday 21st March. This session called "Sounds of Healing," was a sacred experience that harmonised music, prayer, and worship. I invited local musician Fiona to perform on her gongs in the gallery, surrounded by the soft glow of candles, an ancient wooden statue of St. Mary, and the reverent silence of the Abbey Church.
As participants lay down, or sat comfortably, they were enveloped by the soothing sounds of the gongs, bells, and our own Abbey Church Angelus bell, which was rung by me, creating a sense of peace and tranquility that seemed to emanate from the very presence of God. The unexpected four-fold increase in attendance, including many who don't typically attend church services, was a testament to the power of the Holy Spirit to draw people to places of worship and spiritual renewal. As we gathered in the name of Jesus, we experienced a sense of community and connection, reminding us that we are all one in Christ.
From sacred Lenten time in the Abbey Church to following "Eeyore" the donkey and "My Newt" the miniature Shetland Pony on Palm Sunday through Beaulieu High Street; to walking a Pilgrimage across our Parish from Lepe Beach and through Exbury Gardens, to Abbey Church and alongside the Beaulieu River to Buckler’s Hard; to drinks at the Turfcutters pub in East Boldre; with BCP Compline and Prayers each day, Holy Week was such a gift.
Then onto the Triduum. From Maundy Thursday we had a Eucharist with hand and foot washing, whilst listening to the exquisite voice of Charlotte from the Cantores Michaelis Choir; to our moving musical reflections of the Station of the Cross; to Singing Stainer’s Crucifixion with Music @ Beaulieu; to Easter Eve egg hunts in East Boldre; to watching the sunrise on the banks of the Beaulieu River at our dawn Eucharist; to a standing room only BCP Holy Communion in Buckler’s Hard Chapel; to a packed Abbey Church Easter Service followed by eggs hunts around the church yard; to a fun morning prayer in Exbury with yet another egg hunt and buns and cakes galore!!
It has been quite the adventure with God, and one another.
Wishing you and all you love, a very Happy Easter.
Love and prayers,
Rev Catherine
