By Deborah Parsons, Canon Chancellor
Take 16 people from Exeter Cathedral, marinate for 12 months in prayer, plans and preparation, add a generous amount of fellowship, friendship and sunshine, sprinkle freely with teaching, silence and prayer and you have the recipe for a wonderful retreat.
On 14 July, a group from Exeter Cathedral embarked on a three night retreat to Hilfield Friary in Dorset and one member of the group, who was unable to travel at the last minute for medical reasons, undertook the retreat from home.
Hilfield Friary is a Community House of the Anglican Society of St Francis of Assisi, which was founded in the 1920s. The Friary is set in 43 acres on the edge of the Dorset Downs, overlooking the beautiful Blackmore Vale.
Visitors to Hilfield are invited to take part in the prayer life of the four resident Franciscan brothers, and to share meals in the refectory with the whole community, including volunteers and residents.
Our group was led by Canon Deborah Parsons, who managed to devise a programme that gave us the freedom to relax into the rhythm of the Friary and at the same time participate in a timetable of teaching, prayer and silent periods of contemplation.
Over a series of talks, she took us deeper into Christ’s teaching on “The Kingdom of God is …” by expanding and explaining the messages beneath the surface of some well known parables.
In our quiet space at Juniper House she gently guided us on a journey through prayer, music, parables and thoughtful artistic displays towards a deeper awareness of our individual, spiritual needs.
Our closing prayer was: Lord Jesus, You are the Pearl of Great Price, the treasure beyond all treasures. Give us the courage to choose You above all else and to follow You with generous hearts. May what we have received here bear fruit in our daily lives. Amen.
Thank you, Canon Deborah.
Thank you, Canon Cate, for the walks and prayers and appreciation of nature.
Thank you Jackie for organising the logistics and accommodation.
We all feel blessed by our shared experience and strengthened corporately and individually.