07/31/2008
Pre-Lambeth: Brecon, Wales July 11-15, 2008
by Bishop Burnett
Pre-Lambeth: Brecon, Wales July 11-15, 2008
July 11. After the predictable rush of last minute packing and loading, I departed Omaha late morning on flight to Cleveland, Ohio, and after a four hour layover left for London's Gatwick Airport on an overnight flight.
July 12. Arrived 6:30 a.m. in Gatwick. I was met at the gate by two volunteers from the Lambeth welcoming team, one of whom-an airport chaplain whose background is as a Salvation Army minister-escorted me through baggage claim and customs and on to the car rental place to claim my "hired" car, as the English put it. He spoke very positively of the good relations between the Church of England and the Salvation Army. A delightful chap (see, I'm already starting the Englishspeak!).
I drove tentatively out of Gatwick, on the "wrong" side of the road (as the English say about us!), and it brought quickly to mind my first experience of driving in England which took place almost forty years ago on a two week tour of England and Scotland. For some reason, I find it harder to navigate now than I did then-age 21 versus age 60?!
After a few wrong turns, and a few "extra" rounds on innumerable "roundabouts," I entered the unbelievably beautiful countryside of Wales in the early afternoon. The further into the heart of Wales I went, the more beautiful it was. Just breathtaking! The incredible green rolling hills gave way to the Black Mountain areas, with dramatic, lush, and picturesque landscapes.
I drove into the cathedral close in Brecon mid-afternoon, very weary after twenty-four hours of traveling, flying, and driving. I was warmly greeted by one of the cathedral canons, and later by Bishop John Davies (pronounced "Davis"), and Canon Succentor Fr. Michael Thomas. I was housed in the Canonry, a spacious apartment in a building on the cathedral close which houses the offices of the diocese of Swansea-Brecon. Bishop Davies, or Bishop John, as he prefers, was just consecrated recently, after serving for several years as the Dean of Brecon Cathedral.
Later this evening, Fr. Michael drove me to a nearby village for dinner at the home of a parish priest, Fr. Roland, and his wife Barbara. We enjoyed wonderful food and conversation about rural ministry in Wales, which is remarkably similar to our own diocesan context.
July 13. This morning I had the great privilege of preaching at the principal eucharist at Brecon Cathedral, with Bishop John as celebrant, and Fr. Michael assisting. It was an incredible experience to preach in such a marvelous building, the origins of which date back to 1093. A visiting choir from the Cathedral in Aberdeen Scotland rounded out the morning, and sang exquisitely at the eucharist. They also sang at evensong later in the afternoon, a service in which I also vested and participated.
Bishop John and I had an immediate connection and mutual regard. I found him to be a sparkling personality, an exceptional liturgist and celebrant, and a genial host. One of the interesting dimensions of the liturgy at Brecon is the fact that various phrases in the native Welsh language are often used at certain points in the liturgy to maintain the connection with the tongue that only some Welsh now use with any frequency. I found it very moving indeed.
Following the morning service, and a very hospitable greeting from cathedral members, Fr. Michael accompanied me to lunch in the nearby home of one of the cathedral's elderly but very active members, Lucia, who is the widow of a former priest of the diocese. Again, we had a delightful time, and it was a treat to share lunch while overlooking her very beautiful "back yard," which she quickly pointed out to me should be referred to as a "garden." I'm learning, I'm learning.
On Sunday evening I was pleased to be a guest in the bishop's home for dinner with him, his wife Jo, son Chris, 18, and daughter Kate, 20, along with Fr. Michael, and another priest from the area. We shared lively conversation, both about the upcoming Lambeth Conference, and about the contemporary challenges of ministry in general. It turns out that the Davies have been good friends of the Archbishop of Canterbury, Rowan Williams, who served as their bishop in the diocese of Monmouth, Wales, prior to Rowan's appointment to the see of Canterbury.
July 14. This morning I greeted a number of other visiting bishops who have been spending recent days in other parts of the diocese. The six or seven of them, from Jamaica, India, and the U.S., arrived with their hosts in the late morning, in time for a tour of the cathedral, a eucharist in the chapel celebrated by Bishop John, and then lunch in the cathedral's bookstore café. It was a good chance to meet and visit ahead of time with just a few of the many hundreds of bishops who will soon convene in Canterbury.
Late this afternoon I took advantage of the first free hours I have had a chance to enjoy since my arrival here. I strolled around this beautiful and historic city, concluding with an early dinner in a local restaurant.
July 15. In the morning I re-packed and re-loaded the car for a trip to Gatwick, and made one last visit to the cathedral nave and the cathedral bookshop. I drove out of Brecon, once again reveling in the sheer beauty of the town and the landscape, and headed off to Gatwick, where I will pick up Marty early tomorrow morning. After a few stops for photos along the way, not to mention a few missed turns, I arrived at a motel near Gatwick airport late in the afternoon.
