An important time before the ordination of a permanent deacon is the retreat that must take place to prepare the candidate for ordination and fulfil Canon 1039. For the candidates for ordination from the Wonersh program, this retreat took place between the 24th and 29th of May this year at Douai Abbey near Reading in Berkshire.

The candidates followed the daily monastic routine of prayer which revolves around the Divine Office and daily Mass.  While all the candidates were used to praying at least Morning and Evening Prayer, the additional offices prayed allowed them to more deeply enter the rhythms of the monastic community.

The prayer programme for each day was

• 6:30AM – Matins (The Office of Readings and Morning Prayer combined)
• 8:00AM – Mass
• 12:00PM – Midday Prayer
• 6:00PM – Vespers in Latin (Evening Prayer)
• 8:00PM – Compline (Night Prayer)

A number of sessions were held by members of the monastic community for the candidates which covered a number of topics including lectio divina, a reflection on the cross, stations of the cross, adoration of the blessed sacrament and the healing power of the Holy Spirit.

There was also ample opportunity for silence and fellowship where needed. Above all there was time to deepen the bonds between the men who had travelled the last three years of formation together.

Some photos of the abbey church

Some group photos

and…