This week started with Fr Guy Scott of the Isles of Scilly preaching for us at the Sung Mass. After lunch Fr Guy and I took the road to Walsingham for our annual retreat for the feast of the Immaculate Conception. Some friends asked us for supper on the Sunday night where the company was as good as the delicious food. It was great to spend time in Walsingham, time in silent prayer and meeting several friends. It was also sad to learn that last month, Ian Freegard, a devout and exemplary Anglo-Catholic, who lived in Walsingham has passed away. May he rest in peace!

The Mass of the Immaculate Conception was truly splendid and, as usual, Bishop Lindsay was in excellent form – we are truly blessed at having him and Fr Stephen at the day-to-day helm of the Shrine.

After lunch we came back to Sevenoaks for the Walthamstow Hall Carol Service. The church was packed and the pupils really performed well sharing with us the old but ever new story of the Holy Incarnation. There was a vey good atmosphere during the service and the refreshments afterwards.

Richard, one of the churchwardens, was hard at work putting down the antique floor grills that are more in keeping with the church then the aluminium ones that we presently have. These were the generous gift of an anonymous benefactor who acquired them from a salvage firm. Thanks!

Thursday was mostly taken with an Ofsted inspection at our school. The process is still confidential, I will update when I am able to.

In the afternoon the body of Allison, who died recently, was carried in church were it rested for the night. Friday morning we had a requiem at 9.30am and her funeral at 11am. The church was once again packed with people showing solidarity with the husband and young daughters of this young mother.

Members of our congregation prepared a good spread afterwards were many assembled to greet her family and her parents who came all the way from New Zealand.

Following this I paid a quick visit to school, went to the Crematorium for Allison’s committal and back to church for a wedding rehearsal and the blessing of the new home of Frances and Rob.

Please pray for Frances and Rob as they will be joined in the Holy Sacrament of Marriage this afternoon, the feast day of Our Lady of Guadalupe.