When we arrived at the abbey on Monday evening, we were just in time for Vespers. "Priest" was, at the time, one of Lucy's fairly new words. As the monks processed out after the end of Vespers, and as Lucy and her daddy genuflected before leaving, she waved and said, "Priests. Bye-bye!"
Tuesday morning, Lucy was fascinated by the procession. Linus slept through the whole thing, and woke up just in time to be difficult during Mass. Lucy talked for several days afterward about the "priests" who went for a "walk." You cannot tell me that my small children don't get anything out of being at church. Quite on the contrary, they watch everything and absorb an astonishing amount.
After Mass we went into the bookshop and bought a few things, and the priest who was tending the shop kindly blessed them for us. He explained to Lucy that it was almost time for lunch; after returning to the church for Sext, the monks would go and eat their lunch. We went back into the church for Sext also, and as the monks processed out, Lucy waved just as she did after Vespers and said, "Priests. Lunch."
As for me ... it was good, very good, to be there.
Lovely--the whole thing: the ceremonies, the place, and your family participation!
ReplyDeleteWhat gorgeous pictures! I am so, so jealous. I have always wanted to visit Clear Creek. Your post reminds me to move that higher on our priority list. Thanks so much for sharing your wonderful experience!
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