Diocesan Priests' Gathering at Merville

Because it is impossible to give a direct link to a particular post below is the post from the Archdiocesan website about the gathering I attended last week.

Merville II with the clergy of the South-West area

About sixty priests and deacons, mainly from the South-West area of our diocese, gathered with Archbishop Kevin at Merville in France from Monday, 1st June until Friday, 5th June 2009 for a week of prayer and reflection on their pastoral ministry.

Fr Timothy Radcliffe OP, former Master General of the Dominicans, led a Day of Recollection and Fr Paddy Sweeny, a priest with responsibility for the welfare of clergy in the Dublin diocese, led sessions on the practical and personal issues facing the clergy today.

Mgr Gerry Ewing and the Ongoing Formation of Priests team have organised, at the Archbishop's request, three such weeks during 2009. The first, mainly for clergy from the South-East area, was held in February and was valued by all participants. The final week will be held in October, mainly for the clergy of the Kent area.

These meetings provide a welcome opportunity for the Southwark clergy to express their unity with each other and with their Archbishop - and to enjoy each other's company.

More photos of the gathering at Merville

Father Peter Geldard offered to fly me over in his little plane. Here he is preparing to board at Rochester.


Flying over Kent:


Approaching the French coast:



Preparing the approach to Merville airfield:


Touchdown!


Father Peter disembarks.


Yours truly: