Something old? . . . . You don't get many things much older than a Royal Castle that dates back to the Norman Conquest. To celebrate the birthday of our older son we had an outing to Windsor Castle on Saturday, at his request. It's many years since our last family visit but vague memories returned as we strolled passed the queue of waiting tourists to collect our pre-booked tickets (wise move!)
It was a gloriously sunny day on Saturday and Windsor was very busy but the castle is large enough not to feel crowded.
It was difficult to take any photos without including lots of strangers but here are a few shots anyway.
Of course we had to walk along the Long Walk in Windsor Great Park.
St George's Chapel. Not a brilliant view but we were rushing to have enough time to have a good look inside before the last entry at 4pm.
A beautiful peaceful spot. One never knows quite what to do with a redundant moat, does one?
Visitors everywhere but Queen Victoria looks on unperturbed. Perhaps she was actually 'amused' to see some many people interested in looking around one of her old castles.
And the something new? . . . Naturally, I'm referring to the first Sunday Mass using the New Translation of the Missal.
From the point of view of one of those sitting in the pews, I think it went very well. I hope our PP thought so too. Of course they were a few times during the Mass when people nearby could be heard automatically using the old responses. It's difficult to tell whether this was because they'd taken their eyes off the New Translation cards helpfully provided in the pews, or a momentary lapse in concentration.
Strangely it seems that one of the slight changes that one would imagine would be the easiest to grasp, i.e. from 'And also with you' to 'And with your spirit' seems to be the one that caused the most slip-ups.
Not only is it very straightforward but it also occurs several times during the Mass so we get a chance to practise it. I seemed to be able to get it right some of the time but not every time, and I certainly wasn't alone in this. I'm looking forward to more practice in the coming days and weeks.
We should be word perfect by Christmas, if not Advent!
2 comments:
Lovely photos, as ever. My eldest son would love it there too: a real live 'knight's castle'!... in one piece! ...(not many of them in this country that aren't in ruins!)
Yes the new translation has started here too, and nobody seemed to take a bit of notice of it. It has never been mentioned at any of the Masses I've been to. I think the priests are afraid to say anything.
Thanks, Kee. Yes, we're lucky in England. We have our share of ruins but also some ancient buildings that have survived the ravages of time.
I'm sure your boys would love it. One for your list of place to visit on your next trip ;-)
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