Holidays On this Sunday we are in the middle of our summer holidays.  It’s good to know that we still use such a deeply religious word ‘holy days’ to describe this period of fun and relaxation! The idea of a holy rest goes very deep in the Bible.  In fact it goes back to […]

  Gethsemane There’s a gospel story that I’d miss if it wasn’t there. I’m thinking of Jesus’ prayer in Gethsemane. The story shows Jesus flinching at the prospect of the cross, while the disciples slept. My prayer is often like Jesus’ prayer; a struggle between my will and God’s. “Father”, Jesus prays, “if it is […]

Just beyond the east end of Buckfast Abbey—Devon’s active Benedictine monastery—lies the Blessed Sacrament Chapel. Completed in 1966, this modern space is anchored by a striking stained glass window that towers over the sanctuary (an image of this is inside this window). The window was designed by Dom Charles Norris, a resident monk who became […]

  Children’s Prayers A child’s world creates thoughts and wishes expressing beliefs, desires, questions and doubts.  Wise, naïve, reverent or not, they are addressed to God with hope and trust: Dear God, I would like all the bad things to stop Are you real? Some people don’t believe it. If you are, you better do […]

  Forest Bathing “Then shall all the trees of the forest sing for joy before the Lord.”  – Psalm 96:12–13 Walking in the woods is the perfect summer activity. We are fortunate to be surrounded by local parks and woodlands, which are at their most verdant at this time of year. Places to find refreshing […]