By Sandra Williams
Arundel Catenians’ Day of Reflection
Arundel Catenians held a day of reflection on the 1st of November. They assembled at Chichester Cathedral, and celebrated a Catholic Mass in Saint Richard’s Chapel which holds the relics of Saint Richard the Patron Saint of Sussex.
Following the Mass, the Dean of Chichester Cathedral, the Very Rev Dr Edward Dowler, gave us a guided tour of the cathedral. We began in the Baptistry which holds a splendid new copper font and a painting of the baptism of Christ by Hans Feibusch. The Dean discussed the Lazarus relief on the wall.
On the guided tour
The best part of the tour for me was his explanation of the iconic John Piper tapestry behind the high altar, I have seen this on many occasions, but it was wonderful to get a very clear interpretation of the tapestry. He shared with us how it depicted the Trinity as a green triangle with a T shape representing the Lord and flames representing the Holy Spirit and what has been called the fried egg, representing God himself. We also saw the beautiful Marc Chagall Window as well as other works of art.
The Dean discussing the Lazarus relief
After a lunch break, we convened in the Dresden Room of George Bell house. Deacon Roger Stone gave us a presentation on the theme of “the cloud of witnesses”.
Who were the witnesses? What were they witnessing? We considered the many clouds that we encounter in the Bible and their significance. This verse is found in Hebrews 12.1 and its part of a larger passage that encourages perseverance in
the Christian faith by drawing strengths from the faith of the Old Testament figures mentioned in the previous chapter
After a break for tea, we returned to the Cathedral for Evensong. We were blessed that the choir had returned from their half term break. Their lovely singing was a very special part of the day. We then relocated to the local Brasserie Blanc for a lovely French meal.
A very special day not too fast paced, which gave one a chance for reflection, which is a rare thing in the hurried world in which we live.
Our meal at the Brasserie Blanc