The warmth of an enclosed convent high on the plateau in Avila, Spain, was transposed on a cold wintery day to St Boniface, Antwerp on Saturday. A large group from as far afield as Amersfoort in the Netherlands came to gether for a Lenten quiet day on Slow Burn, Bright Flame, evengelism the Carmelite way. The day was led by one of our Diocese’s assistant bishops, Rt. Rev’d Norman Banks, Bishop of Richborough.

Our day was certainly in keeping with the Diocesan strategy, building up the body of Christ and sharing in the evangalisation of Europe. Bishop Norman shared insights of St Teresa of Avila’s life and work with us: we were transported to sixteenth cantury Spain at the time of the inquisition and the insights we gained helped us to understand more deeply the words of Elizabeth Jenning’s poem “Spain”

The wild dust, the whipped corn,

Earth easy for footsteps, shallow to starved seeds.

High sky at night like walls.

Silence surrounding Avila.

She, teased by questions, aching for reassurance.

Calm in confession, before incredulous priests.

Then back to the pure illumination,

The profound personal prayer, the four waters.

…………….

Even the image of light itself withdrew,

And the dry dust on the winds of Spainoutside halted.

Moments spread not into hours but stood still.

No dove brought the tokens of peace.

She was the peace that her prayers had promised.

And the silences suffered no shadows.

At the end of a day, which centred on worship and meditation, we were offered a second session about the Spanish mystics, next time St John of the Cross. If you live within traveling distance watch out for the announcement and come along – you won’t be disappointed.

- Ann Turner