Last Saturday, I went with my college chapel priest and a group of about ten people to Burford Priory for a retreat and meditative day. It was perfect. Built on the site of the 13th century Hospital of St. John, Burford Priory is now home to a community of Benedictine nuns and monks belonging to the Church of England.The grounds are huge and beautifully kept, and guests are allowed to come, join in prayer and contemplation, and stay in the guest house. 
Here is a picture from the bus. The English countryside in late spring. Pretty storybook.
This guy came with us, and his name was unfortunately (for him) Simon. He apparently owned a ladies wear store in Burford (that means frilly grandma type nightgowns).
One of the nice estates in Burford up for sale. Cheap i'm sure.
This was inside the 'guest house' at the priory, where we were allowed to spend our day in the quiet. Our day included... 3 session of short discussion by our retreat leader, giving us a question or two to ponder as we wondered the grounds for an hour or two in between each session. We were free to read, just sit, wander around the grounds, sit on the comfy sofas, or simply take a nap on the grass. We ate lunch together, I went to a short afternoon service held by the monks. And in the afternoon we had the eucharist in a small circle, and then had some tea and cakes before we left.
Kitchen. Which I found wonderfully quaint.
Nice paint color. and floor. Oh I loved that room.
guest book.
I bought an icon. although I had to go up to the main house or castle and ring the doorbell in order to look at all the styles they had. I was so nervous... about 3 minutes after I rang I was pretending like I was looking at the flowers, and a monk finally came to the door. He was stern and he showed me where the icons were and how to 'let myself out' when I was finished with my business. I repeatedly apologized for disturbing him. It seemed to me like he accepted it as if the apology was in fact necessary.
The priory grounds. They have acres. And its set up for peace, quiet and contemplation. You can see cows in the distance there.
Shaped hedges.
They had a few of these around the estate. Presumably for reading or thinking while the weather was not perfect.
My spot. I sat here for about an hour. Looking around, thinking.
Long shot of 'my spot'.
Back courtyard of the priory, with a small garden and seating area.
The front drive of the priory.
I came across a small graveyard surrounded by stone walls and tall bushes with wooden grave markers. In the middle of the path was this carving of the crucifixion of Jesus.
The edge of their land. Spanning across other fields.
Gate to the road.
A clearing in the woods.
I walked and walked around the property. It was very exciting, like an adventure, but a safe one. There was always a trail. I felt full of joy, and peace. It was so nice.
The front of an old docking house along the stream. It was covered in moss and plants, and the ground came half way up the side of the building. very mysterious. I braved the sticky bushed and mud to see the front of it.
I found the path back to the priory.
The edge of the property in England is usaully made known by some form of rock pile.
The steps up to the chapel.
One of the main chapels. It looked deserted. It was very strange.
Up those stairs in the previous picture, and here you are. behind you is another chapel where they have an afternoon liturgy, and in front is the bell tower.
Here are the private gardens, which are open in the mornings to guests.
Here is a picture from the bus. The English countryside in late spring. Pretty storybook. This guy came with us, and his name was unfortunately (for him) Simon. He apparently owned a ladies wear store in Burford (that means frilly grandma type nightgowns). One of the nice estates in Burford up for sale. Cheap i'm sure.
This was inside the 'guest house' at the priory, where we were allowed to spend our day in the quiet. Our day included... 3 session of short discussion by our retreat leader, giving us a question or two to ponder as we wondered the grounds for an hour or two in between each session. We were free to read, just sit, wander around the grounds, sit on the comfy sofas, or simply take a nap on the grass. We ate lunch together, I went to a short afternoon service held by the monks. And in the afternoon we had the eucharist in a small circle, and then had some tea and cakes before we left.
Kitchen. Which I found wonderfully quaint.
Nice paint color. and floor. Oh I loved that room.
guest book.
I bought an icon. although I had to go up to the main house or castle and ring the doorbell in order to look at all the styles they had. I was so nervous... about 3 minutes after I rang I was pretending like I was looking at the flowers, and a monk finally came to the door. He was stern and he showed me where the icons were and how to 'let myself out' when I was finished with my business. I repeatedly apologized for disturbing him. It seemed to me like he accepted it as if the apology was in fact necessary.
The priory grounds. They have acres. And its set up for peace, quiet and contemplation. You can see cows in the distance there. Shaped hedges.
They had a few of these around the estate. Presumably for reading or thinking while the weather was not perfect.
My spot. I sat here for about an hour. Looking around, thinking.
Long shot of 'my spot'.
Back courtyard of the priory, with a small garden and seating area. The front drive of the priory.I came across a small graveyard surrounded by stone walls and tall bushes with wooden grave markers. In the middle of the path was this carving of the crucifixion of Jesus.
The edge of their land. Spanning across other fields.
Gate to the road.
A clearing in the woods.
I walked and walked around the property. It was very exciting, like an adventure, but a safe one. There was always a trail. I felt full of joy, and peace. It was so nice.
The front of an old docking house along the stream. It was covered in moss and plants, and the ground came half way up the side of the building. very mysterious. I braved the sticky bushed and mud to see the front of it.
I found the path back to the priory.
The edge of the property in England is usaully made known by some form of rock pile.
The steps up to the chapel.
One of the main chapels. It looked deserted. It was very strange.
Up those stairs in the previous picture, and here you are. behind you is another chapel where they have an afternoon liturgy, and in front is the bell tower.
Here are the private gardens, which are open in the mornings to guests.I just had to share the beauty of this place with you all. It was a wonderful day.
2 comments:
Wow. This seems like just the place for deep thinking.
Just the word priory makes it sound cool..
My precious child. Somehow these pictures made my heart hurt with missing you, but suddenly seeing again, as if for the first time, the amazing woman you have become. I ponder why, but have no reason for it hitting me now, at this moment. I know again, with all my heart, that this is where you are to be at this time in your life, with God by your side, and your future yet to unfold.
mom
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