Retreat feedback . . .

Sorry, I've been a bit quiet lately - not so much Blogger's block as Blogger's lethargy, I'm afraid.

It's a week now since our retreat at Douai Abbey. This was our first visit so didn't know exactly what to expect. The accommodation was excellent. The guest rooms were in a very modern building with all mod-cons. It was much more like walking into an hotel bedroom than a retreatant's bedroom - not so much basic as bountiful. Large rooms with tea/coffee making facilities and a very large shower room en-suite. Our room like many others overlooked the Abbey Church so an inspiring view.

The Abbey church is also fairly modern having been finally completed in 1993 although the original construction began in 1929. The overall effect is very pleasing and, seated in the choir as we were for the Office, one could appreciate the workmanship of the choir stalls, organ etc. close-up. Modern, yes, but with more than a nod to their historical past. The main part of the Abbey church was much more typical of modern churches and cathedrals.

The monks were very hospitable and the meals excellent. We joined in parts of an organised retreat on Julian of Norwich which was taking place over the weekend led by a layman. We also spent some of the time with our Team for discussion and prayer.

Lots of pluses then but if I were looking for ways to improve the experience, for me personally, I was disappointed that there was no opportunity for Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament. Naturally, one could always visit the Blessed Sacrament chapel in the Abbey Church for private prayer. There was also a lovely oratory in the guest accommodation with a beautiful icon but disappointingly no Blessed Sacrament.

The Abbey is surrounded by quiet a large area of open land suitable for walks and we joined an organised prayer walk on Sunday afternoon, stopping from time to time to meditate on some of Julian of Norwich's words.

I wanted to post a few photos but couldn't make up my mind which to choose so put most of them in this slide show.

Update: Sorry I forgot to mention that the soundtrack is from The Introit: Dominus Dixit Ad Me by the Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral Choir.