Monday 1 November 2010

305 Back to normal ...

This home communion set was a gift for my ordination.  Today it was used in a nursing home where two older priests now share a room.  Both have had strokes and from time it is my privilege to bring Holy Communion.  This being All Saints made it even more special.  Not only do I enjoy being there but the journey is also good.  The wife of one of the gentlemen travels with me and there's hardly enough time to talk about all the things we have to share.  Indeed, we were talking so much that I missed a turn this afternoon!
As well as the conversation we enjoy the changing seasons and this autumn has had particularly attractive colours in the trees.  It was raining hard all afternoon but that scarcely seemed to matter as we chatted on our way.  
 The linen that came with the set is exquisite too.  An intricate Celtic Cross embroidered onto the fine fabric.  It isn't the easiest material to iron but even doing that is a source of pleasure as the steam rises from the damp, lightly starched cloth.  
Life has begun to return to normal now that the broadcast is over!  Messages have come in from all over the world and it is very humbling to hear how many lives have been enriched through yesterday's service.  
I was taken out for a beautiful meal yesterday to mark the event and each course was a work of art - visually very attractive and the flavours were intense and wonderful.  It was such a lovely time just to be able to relax and review the work that we'd done. 
 My meal began with a very delicate pâté   served with an unusual chutney.  The lamb that followed it was unbelievably tender and tasty.  Celeriac champ and a vegetable purée adorned the plate.  
 As for the dessert!  I think I must have taken a dozen pictures of the mango parfait - such an interesting mix of colours and textures.
Any of these dishes would have been winners on Master Chef and our plates went back totally empty!  
As soon as this blog is finished for the evening I'm going to have to pack for a two day committee meeting in Dublin.  That will be constant concentration.  I'll celebrate Holy Communion tomorrow evening before we have dinner as I'm chaplain to this particular group.  
Next blog from Dublin!

Almighty God,
you have knit together your elect
in one communion and fellowship
in the mystical body of your Son Christ our Lord:
Grant us grace so to follow your blessed saints
in all virtuous and godly living
that we may come to those inexpressible joys
that you have prepared for those who truly love you;
through Jesus Christ our Lord.


Book of Common Prayer
All Saints

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