As we travelled to Kent, we spent time reflecting on how we might leave behind all that we emotionally, physically and spiritually carry with us in life......our prayer was - Today Lord, I give you all that I am, my time, my reputation, my worries and my desires. Thank you, that you receive whatever I offer and transform it,
so that this gift of life you have breathed into me, is taken up in your great love. Amen
As we entered into All Saint's Church, Tudeley, we were struck by the light that flooded the church, many colours of the magnificent windows were being refracted upon the walls. We were warmly greeted by Jo who shared with us the story of how the windows came to be there. How the well known artist Marc Chagall had been so impacted by what he saw at the installation of the main east window, that he vowed to fill the whole church with his creative and individual work for no fee. Marc Chagall was born a Jew in Russia, had lived in poverty, nearly died at birth and as an eight year old child. He obviously felt he had been blessed in later life and that generosity poured out of him in Tudeley. We felt blessed to be there and as a result of Marc Chagall's giving heart, thousands of people come each year to this small church in the middle of a small hamlet.
We spent quite a while looking around, there was much to admire and receive in what many felt was a 'thin place' between us and the glory of God. We ended our time in the church with midday prayer, before setting off to Aylesford Priory.
Aylesford Priory is a Carmelite Monestry, which dates back to the thirteenth century. Only a few brothers remain now but the Priory still offers hospitality to all those who come. After a picnic together we spent a couple of hours looking at the various gardens, The Peace Garden and The Rosary walk were two of my favourites.
There were many chapels, shrines to see as well....a pottery, where I think many purchases were made! We ended our time having tea and cake in the cafe, the weather was hot and so to sit for a while was a welcome break.
Here's one pilgrims thoughts on the day
'The All Saints Church experience leaves me with a permanent touching of the spirit.
Aylesford Priory brought contrast, the space to wander in the gardens, the on-site creativity of the pottery and wood work exhibition, the freedom to explore the gardens and open spaces, to just ‘be’ in fellowship with one another, in a natural flow of intermingling, was oxygen to busy lives.'
