St Cecilia’s Abbey, Ryde is a cloistered community of Benedictine nuns of the Solesmes Congregation. They are good friends of our community. They have been blessed with a number of young vocations who have persevered to solemn vows in these last years. This week saw the profession of Sr Elizabeth Burgess. She made her solemn (life) vows as a nun and received the Consecration of Virgins. Our abbot was delegated by our bishop to preside at the Mass and concomitant ceremonies. The liturgy took over two hours and was sung in Latin in exquisite Gregorian Chant.

Sister’s faith owes much to the Oxford Oratory Fathers. A good number of them were present and participating in the Mass. Their Provost, Father Daniel, preached a fine homily. He also sang a fine song at the recreation afterwards, as did Fr Dominic ‘give me a B flat’ Jacob. They added much to the happy atmosphere of the day with their presence and good humour.

If you have daughters – send them to Ryde!