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In March 2017 Anne and I went to stay the Franciscan Friary. We arrived about 4:00pm, made welcome by Brother Joseph-Emmanuel, and shown to our room. A lovely room with beds and easy chairs overlooking the beach and estuary of the river Aln as it meets the sea. We were given a conducted tour of the house and chapels with some interesting in sights to its history.
The Daily Round
Afternoon tea, served at 4:30 pm provided opportunity to meet other guests and the brothers who were resident at that time. Then at 5:00 pm off to the chapel for evening prayer, summons by the ships bell hanging in the stair well and rung five minutes before each chapel service.
Evening meal at 6:00 pm available for all the guests and the brothers, then time to relax before Night Prayer at 9:00 pm. Silence was the order of the night until after breakfast in the morning.
Good night’s sleep with sound of the sea-shore coming through the open window.
Morning prayer at 7:00 am the following morning aroused by the bell followed by breakfast at our own time. Then a free morning to read in the library, walk on the beach, the hills, and gardens and enjoy God’s wonderful provisions in creation.
Mid-day prayer at noon followed by Holy Communion and then lunch in the refectory. Then more free time until the cycle resumes.
The Franciscan Brothers
There are seven brothers in residence including:
Brother Reg (97) who has in his past spent time in Australia as provincial Minister. He was most interested in the photographs of older Aussie members of the Third Order whom he knew quite well. His observation was in each case that “they are looking older now”, Brother Thomas who is in his 80’s and partially retired, Brother Joseph- Emmanuel, Brother Michael, and others.
The brothers serve God by serving in the field of hospitality and welcome all wish to come to stay for a few hours or days to help them along their journey with the Lord. They all work hard to maintain the house and extensive gardens which are kept immaculate and even win prizes in completions for the best kept gardens.
The Rooms and Environment
The Chapel is central to the community and includes a private silent chapel where the Host is maintained at all times. The main chapel is simple in design and looks out over the quadrangle and the sea beyond.
The Library is above the chapel with a similar aspect and full of books, ancient and modern, available for reading or study to all who wish to attend.
The Refectory and common rooms are available for meal times and other times for relaxation and conversation with the brothers and other guests.
The Gardens around the house are simple; but beautiful and a lovely place to walk or sit and meditate on God’s Glory.
The Beach and Estuary are wonderful places of solitude and wonder to hear birds singing on the rocks, the river cutting a path through the sand to reach the sea, and even work castings on the river bed so demonstrating the health of the area.
We stayed for three nights and really entered into the spirit of the friary and found something of the Peace and Quiet that enables one to fell the presence of God in all his glory.
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