Yesterday we visited the holy shrine to Mary at Aylesford. Aylesford Priory was founded all the way back in 1242 when Carmelites arrived in England having fled from the many problems in the Holy Land. St Simon Stock had a vision of Our Lady who promised him that any one who wore the brown scapular would have her protection.
Although lost following the dissolution of the monasteries, it was again bought by the Carmelites in 1949 and turned into a place of pilgrimage, devotion and prayer. I must say I felt that this really was, at the same time, a place of power and a place of peace. The afternoon session on vocation was really moving, and it was clear that the time spent in silence in the gardens and grounds was important for many of the student pilgrims at the priory yesterday. I certainly know it was for me.
Earlier we had met the Archbishop Vincent Nichols (see the picture of us with him above and click here for more pictures!), who is the Head of the Catholic Church in England and Wales and the Archbishop of Westminster. He gave the address at the 12noon mass which was a lovely service. I would be interested to hear what others thought of the service and of the day – please feel free to leave your comments below.
Between the mass and the talk on vocation we shared a picnic lunch with other student pilgrims in the gorgeous grounds of the priory. By the time we left the site after Adoration and Benediction around 4.30pm I think we all felt significantly moved by the presence of God in that place and the overwhelming feelings of peace, love and understanding that filled the atmosphere.
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Here is the exercise we did during the talk on vocation. Try it yourself and see what God speaks to you.
Read 1 Kings 19:9, 11-13a
SILENCE – In order to be silent, what worries/anxieties/resentments/distractions do you need to acknowledge and put aside?
Read Luke 1:26-38
WORD AND RESPONSE – As you read slowly through the text(s) what Word speaks to you?
What is God saying to you today through his Word?
How do you desire to respond to God?
Is there anything you need to ask God for, to help you to respond as you desire?
THANKSGIVING – Give thanks to God.
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