Autumn Glory - 18

Here we have a photo of the three spires of Lichfield Cathedral taken late one autumn afternoon.



O Strength and Stay upholding all creation,
Who ever dost thyself unmoved abide,
Yet day by day the light in due gradation
From hour to hour through all its changes guide.

Inspiring words written by St Ambrose.

Feast of Christ the King

The 34th (last) Sunday of Ordinary Time is celebrated as the Feast of Christ the King. Here is a display of autumn flowers taken in Lichfield Cathedral - it forms a fitting image for the feast.



Crown him the Lord of peace,
Whose power a sceptre sways
From pole to pole, that wars may cease,
Absorbed in prayer and praise:
His reign shall know no end,
And round his pierced feet
Fair flowers of Paradise extend
Their fragrance ever sweet.

Have a Happy Feast!

Autumn Glory - 17

On my way to Mass on 11 November I walked along the banks of the River Cam. It was a beautiful autumn morning.



Lord for ourselves; in living power remake us-
Self on the cross and Christ upon the throne,
Past put behind us, for the future take us:
Lord for our lives, to live for Christ alone.

What lovely words as we prepare the celebrate the Feast of Christ the King.

Autumn Glory - 16

On Remembrance Sunday 11 November I attended Solemn Mass at the Church of our Lady and the English Martyrs in Cambridge. I was greatly impressed, and would strongly recommend this church to anyone visiting the city. I was delighted to hear the new solo tuba on the final hymn - Lord, for the years.

On my way I passed the Chapel of King's College - famous for the Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols on Christmas Eve.



Lord, for the years your love has kept and guided,
Urged and inspired us, cheered us on our way,
Sought us and saved us, pardoned and provided:
Lord of the years, we bring our thanks today.

Autumn Glory - 15

After visiting Pluscarden Abbey on All Souls' Day (2 November 2007), I cycled back to Elgin Station and on my way visited Miltonduff Distillery. I was given a complimentary free dram of the 10 year old malt. It was very welcome - but nothing great!

Perverse and foolish oft I strayed,
But yet in love he sought me,
And on his shoulder gently laid,
And home, rejoicing, brought me.

No - I wasn't drunk, and I wasn't picked up by the Highland Police and taken back to a cell for the night!



I fondly remembered my former parish priest - Canon George Telford, who died on 6 November 1997. He was very fond of Scottish malt whisky. May he rest in peace, and rise in glory. Amen.

Autumn Glory - 14

Well here they are - Badger Faced Sheep - and they were happy to be photographed by me. Well, Francis of Assisi was a permanent deacon, and perhaps they assumed that I am the great saint!



Where streams of living water flow
My ransomed soul he leadeth,
And where the verdant pastures grow
With food celestial feedeth.

These lovely sheep certainly appear to be well-fed!

Autumn Glory - 13

Here are some unusual sheep which I photographed on my way to Loch Insh Watersports Centre.



The King of love my Shepherd is,
Whose goodness faileth never;
I nothing lack if I am his
And he is mine for ever.

We behave in odd ways at times - but God doesn't stop loving us!