Glasshampton Travel Information updated Decemer 11th 2011
Hilfield Friary - Programme for 2012 now available
News Page - updated 17th January 2012
On the move and provincial news (at the bottom of the news page) - updated 24th November
Updated 'Around the Houses' for Leicester House, with new video - 16th September
Audio Franciscan September 2011 now available in the Accessibility Section
The September 2011 edition of the franciscan is now available in the Learn More section of the website - updated 18th December 2011
Updated Intercessions for January 2012 - See Section 'Pray for us'- updated 11th December 2011
Updated Prayer Diary December 2011 - May 2012 See Section 'Pray for Us' Updated 11th December 2011
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New Novices
The 4 Postulants were admitted as novices and received the habit
during Evening Prayer at Alnmouth Friary on 11th January 2012. We
pray for them as they continue their exploration of their franciscan
vocation. |
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l-r: Brother Samuel (Minister Provincial), Cristian
Michael,
Robert, David, Micael Christoffer and Desmond Alban (Novice
Guardian) |
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Brother Martin SSF celebrates his Diamond Jubilee of Profession in Franciscan Vows Brother Samuel writes
Around 150 friends gathered with Br Martin for a High Mass at St
Peter's London Docks on Saturday 17th December to celebrate the Diamond
Jubilee of his profession in Franciscan vows. 60 years is a long-term
commitment (even longer when the three year period of his novitiate is
added to it), and we rightly gave thanks to God for Martin's faithfulness
and steadfastness. Over this period he has served as a parish priest three
times (and is currently still working at St Peter's), has been a school
chaplain three times and a hospice chaplain twice. He has been the
Provincial Secretary with responsibility for our administration and he
remains up-to-speed with the cutting edge of IT. He has led a huge number
of missions, retreats and Holy Weeks and has preached countless sermons -
he is still much in demand. He has also had experience of all the six
Ministers Provincial from the time of Br Douglas until the present. Where
does he get his continuing youthful energy and enthusiasm from?
(His recently published Memoir gives his SSF story and is available
from Hilfield Friary at samspassf@franciscans.org.uk) |
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2011 Youth Camp.
Michael Double, a community member writes: 'Incomparable Love' was the theme for this year's camp as teenagers
from all over the country came to enjoy a week camping at the Friary
during August. The daily worship was focussed around the parables in
Luke's gospel beginning the week with Christmas and ending with the
crucifixion and resurrection. Campers also got to visit an activity
centre with the chance to raft build or go on a high ropes course as well
as the odd trip to the beach. There were also baking, drama, art and music
workshops held on site throughout the week. Luckily the weather didn't
dampen our spirits as the campers left full of the daily themes for the
week that 'God loves everyone, no matter who you are, no matter what you
have, no matter what you have done, he died for you, now go live in his
love'.
For more information about the Hilfield Youth Camp please click
here. |
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Families Camp 2011.
Jerry Akehurst, a regular visitor to the camp writes:
When talking with colleagues at work, I get a sense of their momentarily disbelief when explaining that our summer holiday, this year, would be spent camping with other families in the grounds of a Franciscan Friary in Dorset. You can see them thinking "Why would you do that?" even if they don't say it out loud.
Well, we do it because each year it gives the whole family a mix of things that don't come together in the same way anywhere else. This includes friendships with people with whom we share some sense of belonging with Franciscan spirituality, values and life choices also a shared sense of our own limitations and vulnerabilities. Activities involve music, singing, dance, swimming, walking, eating, drinking, prayer, worship and fifteen talks, ranging from social factors in religious choices to the case for intervention in Libya.
I ask myself :- How do we fit it all into a week? And what are the dates for next year?
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Ninetieth year celebrations at Hilfield Friary
Br Damian writes: Saturday the 18th June was the chosen day to invite our local friends, including Guests of Honour, the Earl and Countess of Sandwich, and which brought a hundred folk to the Friary, with a packed programme principally prepared by community member Chantal Thornbury. Indeed, we set two of the home team at all the vibrant points of the Friary life to enthuse and explain each aspect of its witness. A celebration of the environment included the wild flower meadow and Brother Vincent's famous secret garden. Clare Chapel was newly furnished around the theme of the Canticle of the Creatures, and the Gospel message of reconciliation was well evident in the kitchen garden as well as the main chapel. Cream teas, a BBQ, visits to the shop and a cloister-boot-sale brought fresh comfort to those who got drenched in the outpouring from on High! What a day at the Friary with all the joys and
thanksgiving for God's provision and especially seeing us through some of
the most radical changes experienced in our history! The anniversary oak
tree, planted by the good Earl and dug in so professionally by his wife
will long remind us of the day when Brother Sun was a bit shy and Sister
Water was in full flow, the two elements that none of us can do
without. |
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Br Samuel introduces the
Earl & Countess
of
Sandwich. | |
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The Earl & Countess
of Sandwich plant a tree to record 90 years since the start of
Franciscan
Life at the Friary. |
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Southwark
Cathedral
Sister Sue
was installed,with two other priests,as a Cathedral Chaplain at Evensong
on 6th November, by the Bishop of Southwark,the Rt Reverend Christopher
Chessun,and the Acting Dean of Southwark, Canon Andrew Nunn. As a
Cathedral Chaplain Sue will assist in leading the day to day worship of
the cathedral,and may be invited to contribute in other ways from time to
time.
Picture by permission of
Southwark Diocesan
Communications |
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Launch of the Green
Pilgrimage Network
At the beginning of November the Green Pilgrimage
Network was launched in Assisi, with Assisi itself being one of the
founding pilgrimage places of the Network.The aim of the Network is to
encourage pilgrims, the organisers of pilgrimages, and the pilgrimage
places themselves to make the entire experience of pilgrimage one which
cares for the earth. The Network has been founded by the Alliance of
Religions and Conservation (ARC), and the first members of the Network
cover ten different world religions. In the UK St Albans is also one
of the founding 'sacred places'.
If you want to know more, the ARC website has
more information www.arcworld.org. |
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CLARC
Helen Julian
writes:
In October I, along with Br Samuel attended the
annual meeting of leaders of Anglican Religious Communities, which took
place at Mirfield, the home of the Community of the
Resurrection. It is a valuable opportunity to exchange news,
discuss areas of mutual concern and interest, and support one another in
this demanding role. This year we were also nourished and encouraged by
input from Ian Adams, writer of 'Cave, Refectory, Road' and himself a
leader in the new monasticism movement. He helped us to see the gifts
which the more traditional forms of religious life have to offer the
church and the world; a valuable corrective to what can become a too short
sighted focus on simply 'keeping the show on the road'. The picture shows
nearly all the leaders present, with Ian Adams on the far
right. |
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Bishop Nedi Rivera (Nevada) in conversation with Archbishop Roger Herft (Perth, Australia) |
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Coffee time:Clark Berge in conversation with Simon (USA); Manasseh Birahu (Solomon Islands) behind him and Frances (Korea) towards the back. |
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Committee work: checking minutes: Maureen, Christopher John, Sue, Pamela Clare, Joyce (and another brother or two were present). |
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All of the members of the chapters |
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There were some spectacular sunrises:Desmond Alban has captured the dawn reflected in a refectory window, while the mist has come down over the river. |
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The Novices meet at Glasshampton Br Joseph Emmanuel writes: We were fortunate to be aided in our reflections by Br Anselm SSF (who spoke with us about his work campaigning on behalf of those facing torture), Br Hugh SSF (who spoke with infectious enthusiasm on the topic of 'Passion, Concern, Action') and Br Samuel SSF who spoke to us about CSF/SSF's legacy in working for peace and justice, a legacy we are all keen to perpetuate. We were reminded during his talk that our prayerful contemplation and commitment to justice are complimentary; the one feeds the other. As well as far ranging discussion and enthusiastic participation we relaxed together, had an opportunity to 'tell our story' and enjoyed time in Oxford together, finishing the day with Evensong in the Cathedral. |
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Back Row l-r: Joseph Emmanuel, Desmond Alban (Novice Guardian) Front Row l-r: Beverley (Novice Guardian), Vaughan, Christopher Martin, Barnabas Francis |
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Sr Joyce CSF At the meeting of the First Order Chapters and Inter-Provincial Third Order Chapter in September, a presentation of an icon of St Francis and the Wolf was made to Sr Joyce in recognition of her very many years of involvement in those meetings as well as of her leadership of CSF, as she prepares to hand over as Minister General in February 2012.Clark Berge SSF and Nolan Tobias TSSF are looking on as she unwraps the icon. |
The Metheringham Hermitage
Thanks to a fantastic group of volunteers who gathered recently over a weekend, the hermitage in the grounds of the Metheringham house is now erected and available for use. The sisters decided to put a log cabin in the wooded area of the grounds to create additional space for individual quiet days and as a space for spiritual direction and prayer. The hermitage is insulated, has heating and electricity, so suitable for use all year round.
Anyone interested in using this space for the day please contact the sisters through the 'Where we Are' section of this website.
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The cabin arrives 'flat-packed' |
concrete base is prepared |
in process..... |
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up the ladders... |
phone consulation for advice from above! |
Srs Liz & Judith Ann give moral support! |
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Come in, be still, Enter the peace and tranquillity of the Metheringham Hermitage. We look forward to welcoming you. |
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The completed hermitage |
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Through the window! |
First Professed Conference 2011
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Greenbelt 2011 10 of us ... Br Vaughan n/SSF, Br Barnabas Francis n/SSF, Sr Hilda Mary CSC, several Third Order members and friends were this year's Franciscan team at Greenbelt at Cheltenham race course. Once more we arrived a day early to set up our white chapel tent on the hill near the red London bus. Many people visited us over the August bank holiday weekend and prayed the offices with us. Each of us managed to enjoy some of the hundreds of events and performances going on all over the racecourse. I myself particularly enjoyed the protest songs of Billy Bragg, the Methodist Modern Art exhibition and a sociology talk. The Third Order had a stall in G Source. As last year we led morning prayer in Soul Space in the Panoramic Restaurant at the top of the grandstand. After a little rain on the first day the weather was kind to us. Jonathan Herbert, a Hilfield community member, was part of the team and gave a talk on his visit to Palestine as an ecumenical accompanier. You can read all about this year's Greenbelt in the
Church Times or on www.greenbelt.org.uk | |
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The Franciscan Tent at Greenbelt |
Br Hugh SSF & Bishop Michael Perham |
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Grandstand View |
Sunday Morning Worship |
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90th Anniversary Open Day at Hilfield Friary The Open Day celebrated 90 years of Franciscan life at Hilfield. The rain showers did not deter people from visiting and enjoying the day. Events included the planting of an oak tree by the Earl and Countess of Sandwich, woodcraft and basket weaving workshops, a Garden Olympics and sheep feeding. There was an 90th Anniversary exhibition and an organic BBQ. |
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Br Hugh writes: Welcome the sun! It hasn't been the most brilliant of summers here in Dorset - wonderful weather early on but then since June quite a lot of wet days. Nevertheless, after an assessment on energy saving we've taken the decision to install sets of solar panels on the roofs of two of our houses, one for hot water and the other for electricity generation. It's an expensive investment (made possible through a legacy left to the Friary) but we have gone ahead with it in faith as a pioneer project in the belief that the world urgently needs to be transferring to renewable sources of energy. The Friary is already facing a 20% increase in the price of our propane gas supply in the year ahead and we need to be looking at alternative ways of heating our houses. Over the coming year we'll be undertaking a detailed energy audit to look at where energy can be saved and the possible alternative sources for the future. Yesterday evening the electrician connected Hilfield's first solar panels and at dusk the meter showed the first Kwh. Today's sunshine generated nearly 3Kw per hour.Now I am applying for the feed in tariff which, along with lower electricity bills, should pay for it all in 10-12 years. 18 panels cover one third of the chapel roof, facing southeast, wires going to an inverter at the back of Francis Chapel and on to the main electricity upply via a thick cable. These panels will produce about 5% of all electricity used per year in the whole friary (or 7% of what we use in the buildings around the courtyard). Unlike most houses, we needed planning permission, for we are in an area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. I hope we can eventually cover the whole roof. We have also had solar thermal panels put on Clare House heating water for two families, who are now working out how best to use it, in combination with the exisiting boiler. We have also had all the upstairs and some of the
downstairs metal framed windows in Douglas House doubled-glazed to
'B'standard, considerably better than double glazing done previously.
These works will cut our fuel bills, and our carbon footprint, a little
further. |
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Bomb at Hilfield!
Community member Jonathan found this heavy lump
while digging a trench for a water pipe. Joking that it could be a bomb,
we threw it around. Three days later though Susi his wife insisted
he rang the police. Next morning the bomb disposal unit arrived, X
rayed it and told us it was a non explosive shell, perhaps from a WW2 gun
emplacement on the hill. Still, they took it away. It leads us to remember
the world's many war zones where old explosives kill and maim years after
fighting ends, and to pray for the charities which clear
mines. |
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Two new SSF Publications for Sale at Hilfield Friary
A Hilfield Reader for the 90th Anniversary of the start of Franciscan Life at Hilfield Friary. UK £4.10 (£3,50 plus 60p P & P) and The Memoirs of Brother Martin SSF. UK £3.10 (£2.50 plus £60p P & P). These books can be purchased from the Friary. Please contact Sara Whistance on 01300 342311 or e.mail samspassf@franciscans.org.uk
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International Formators'
Programme 2011 |
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Church of Our Most Holy
Redeemer Clerkenwell where CSF had its origins. |
Chapel of St Edward's
House, Westminster where the first SSF Novice was admitted. |
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The third and final part of our three year International Formators' Programme saw sisters and brothers from all the provinces gather this year in the UK, following our previous meetings in New York and Boston and the Solomon Islands. The focus this time was on the foundation and early history of our communities and on our Anglican identity and we began in Plaistow, East London where the first Anglican Franciscan Order, the Society of the Divine Compassion, had its origins, and where SSF brothers still live and work. Based in Southwark for a few days we were able also to make pilgrimage to other sites of significance such as the Church of Our Most Holy Redeemer Clerkenwell where CSF had its origins, the Chapel of St Edward's House, Westminster (Society of St John the Evangelist) where the first SSF novice was admitted, the Lambeth Palace archive where we viewed some fascinating early SSF documents and even Parliament Square where we were reminded of Br Douglas' important political lobbying and campaigning on behalf of wayfarers. In each place our community historian, Dr Peta Dunstan, brought the story alive for us, not least by posing a question to consider for our contemporary Franciscan life. The historic pilgrimage continued with a visit to
the historic Bartlemas Chapel in Oxford, in medieval times a place of
welcome and refuge for lepers and the place that Brother Giles chose to
begin his work with wayfarers before moving to Hilfield. We followed
in turn to Dorset where Brother Anselm welcomed us in the names of Brother
Douglas and Father Algy, and Peta enlightened us further.
We stayed at Hilfield for the second week of our
conference, this time with stimulating input from Dr John Cator from
California who helped us think in depth about what it means to be Anglican
Christians. We also enjoyed sharing in the contemporary life of the
community at Hilfield, with haymaking, home grown entertainment and even
the baptism of Richard and Chantal's daughter Felice all part of our time
there.
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Bartlemas Chapel,
Oxford,where Br Giles began his work with wayfarers before moving to Hilfield in Dorset. |
Some of the brothers on
the Formators' Conference work alongside the Hilfield Community |
Alnmouth Friary Jubilee Celebrations
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Bishop Frank White
(Assistant Bishop of Newcastle) presiding at the Jubilee Eucharist |
Friends gathered at
Alnmouth Friary for the 50th Anniversary Celebrations
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Br Desmond Alban
writes:
The brothers at Alnmouth celebrated their 50th
Anniversary on the Feast of the Blessed Virgin Mary, 15th August
2011. Somehow we sat over 100 people in the chapel in reasonable
comfort, and the enthusiastic singing was swollen too by a number more
guests in the narthex beyond. We celebrated with a festal Sung
Eucharist at which Bishop Frank White (Assistant Bishop of Newcastle)
presided and Brother Samuel preached. (Click
here for the text of the sermon). The congregation was made up
of many friends, old and young, and the lovely weather allowed everyone to
enjoy a picnic lunch in the friary garden. Indeed, the main
celebrations ended with Evening Prayer in the open air, just before we
welcomed the new guests arriving that day for business as usual. | |
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Our Brother Colin Wilfred died peacefully on Tuesday, 2nd August, at the Friary in Canterbury. He had been suffering for some years from fibrosis of the lungs. Colin joined SSF in 1969, was professed in vows in 1973, and served in a number of our Friaries both here in the European Province, and also in the Australia/New Zealand Province where he was Minister from 1997 to 2002. From 1985 until 1996 he was deeply involved in working for and with those affected by the HIV/AIDS virus. He had a keen interest in liturgy and has played an important role in producing the Daily Office SSF. He will be greatly missed by his brothers in SSF and by many friends around the world. His funeral and requiem Mass took place in St
Peter's, Canterbury on the feast of St Clare, 11th August attended by a
large congregation. Here is the text
of the sermon preached by Br Samuel, the Minister of the European
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Life Profession
Sr Liz CSF made her Life Profession on the 29th July at St Luke's Church, Birchwood, Lincoln. Her vows were received by the Bishops Protector for the European Province, Michael Perham. It was a joyous occasion as brothers and sisters from around the province joined many friends and family to support Sr Liz as she took this final step of commitment.
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St Luke's Church,
Birchwood, Lincoln |
Sr Liz is presented to
Bishop Michael |
Sr Liz receives the
blessing of the
Bishop and the
Community |
Ordination to the Diaconate
Sr Beverely was ordained deacon by the Bishop of Gloucester, Michael Perham at Hilfield Friary on Saturday 23rd July. It was a wonderful occasion. After the service family and friends gathered in the courtyard to continue the celebrations. Please continue to pray for Sr Beverley and for the parish of St Peter's Highfield, Leicester where she will serve her title.
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CSF at Launde
Abbey
The Sisters in Leicester were delighted to be
part of 'Crossing the Threshold' at the re-launch of Launde Abbey, the
local Diocesan Retreat House. Taking as their theme 'The Desert in the
City', they shared their experiences of living, praying and working in the
St Matthew's area of inner city Leicester. This was a small part of the
whole day's celebration and commissioning of the refurbished house and
grounds. It was a day full of thankfulness, hope and joy, culminating in
over 1000 people from across the dioceses of Leicester and Peterborough
gathering together in worship, and singing in
the rain! |
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Sister Beverley,
Christine James & Jenny Tee answering questions |
