The Augustinian Friars in Britain

Our Hearts are Restless until they Rest in You, Lord

Augustinian Friends see 'God is Love'

Only a month ago, having not attended Mass for some time, I decided to go to St Augustine's on a Sunday evening. I found everybody to be very nice and welcoming, with the added bonus of a pint of Guinness after mass, and it was very nice to be asked soon afterwards to come on a trip to St George's Retreat.

Personally speaking, it was a very nice chance to meet new people and experience something different. I think it's fair to say that the day had an endearingly chaotic edge to it at times, with hilarity never far away, but once everybody found themselves on the same train we arrived at Burgess Hill, and then on to St George's.

The house and grounds were delightful, and it was very pleasant to smell the fresh country air - a noticeable contrast to my usual weekends in London.

We focused our day on the new Pope's encyclical God is Love (which I must get round to reading!) and Fr Gianni made a presentation in the morning, which was informative and thought-provoking. He even managed to produce a couple of funny gags (no more than a couple though I'd say). Sister Miriam then spoke to us about the work of the sisters at the retreat. I was personally moved by her words, especially as she displayed such a lovely down to earth nature and humility.

One of the highlights was undoubtedly lunch, and not only in terms of the food, which was splendid (I should have had more of the cheesecake). It was very nice to speak with a number of the nuns there, I certainly was left marvelling at their dedication, both to their work and to their religious vocation. They seemed to enjoy having us to lunch as much as we enjoyed their hospitality.

After a walk to the farm, where we were all nearly blown over by the ferocity of the wind, we returned to the library to discuss the theme 'God is Love', particularly in relation to sexuality. Again I found it fascinating to hear so many different opinions and views voiced.

After prayers in the chapel, we returned to London, and rounded off the day with a curry in Hammersmith, I think Gianni will agree with me in complimenting the service and meal, indeed we couldn't help saying 'compliments to the chef' as we left.

I must thank everybody who went for making me feel so welcome, especially as I hardly knew anybody beforehand, and for helping to make the trip so enjoyable.