This past weekend, our Catholic Society embarked on a transformative journey to Aylesford Priory, a place steeped in centuries of spiritual history. Located in the heart of Kent, this Carmelite priory offered us a perfect setting for reflection, community building, and deepening our faith.
As we arrived at Aylesford, we were immediately struck by the serene beauty of the grounds. The ancient stones of the priory, dating back to the 13th century, seemed to whisper stories of countless pilgrims who had come before us. Our guide, Brother Michael, led us through the cloisters, explaining the rich history of the Carmelite order and the priory's role in English Catholicism.
Throughout the weekend, we participated in various spiritual activities that allowed us to disconnect from the bustle of university life and reconnect with our faith:
One of the highlights of our retreat was the opportunity to strengthen our bonds as a society. We shared meals in the refectory, swapped stories around a bonfire, and even participated in a friendly game of football on the priory grounds. These moments of laughter and camaraderie reminded us of the importance of our Catholic community at the university.
As we gathered for our final Mass in the priory's beautiful chapel, there was a palpable sense of renewal among our group. Father James, in his homily, encouraged us to carry the peace and inspiration we found at Aylesford back to our campus lives.
Leaving Aylesford, we felt a mixture of sadness to depart and excitement to apply what we had learned. This retreat has set a wonderful tone for our society's activities this year. We're grateful to the Carmelite community for their hospitality and to all the members who made this trip so memorable.
We look forward to more opportunities for spiritual growth and community building in the coming months. Stay tuned for more events and activities from the Catholic Society!!