Nottingham Community Retreat 2018

The Nottingham group returned to The Claret Centre at Buckden Towers in the pretty villlage of Buckden near St Neots in July for the annual weekend retreat. The weekend was lead by Heather Ward,  and focussed on Dying to Self in Scripture and in the writings of Teresa of Avila, St John of the Cross, Elizabeth of the Trinity and Teresa of Liseux. The weekend was largely silent, although allowing sometime for discussion, and included daily Mass and shared Lectio,and the Divine Office.

The site known as Buckden Towers has a rich history spanning over 900 years, and for much of that time, as Buckden Palace, it was the home to the Bishops of Lincoln. It also has beautiful grounds including a lake and a walled Knot garden based on a sixteenth century design.

I think that the secret of peace & happiness lies in forgetfulness & disregard of self, which does not mean we do not feel our physical & mental sufferings…. At those times when you feel this terrible emptiness, believe that he is hollowing out in your soul greater capacities to receive him, capacities which are, to an extent, as infinite as himself. 

- St Elizabeth of the Trinity

 

 For through the law I died to the law, so that I might live to God. I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but it is Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.

- Gal 2: 19-20

The Claret Centre

The Knot Garden

The Staircase

The Church

Stained glass in the Crypt Chapel

Photos by Victor Burton.

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