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January 11, 2005
Epiphany Candles
In the midst of all the current anguish and hurt, I feel that a little something which reminds us of the beauty to be found all around us is in order. For those of you who wonder from my ramblings what the Abbey looks like when lit just by the light of candles (and a little help from some uplighters below the vaulting!) the picture below gives some idea.
The Abbey Nave looking East toward the Choir Presbytery and High Altar.
The pinpricks of light in the distance are the display on the floor of the Presbytery, the candles along the screen and the tapers on the Altar. Above can be seen the Triforium candles and the tree lights are on the right. This year's displays included the Guild of Virgers and the Flower Arrangers, pictures of which are below. I apologise if this takes ages to load, but I hope you like them.
The Badge of the Guild of Virgers set in the Chapel of St Edmund.
The Flower Arrangers Guild with a flower display of unusual kind in the Chapel dedicated to St Faith.
The Abbey, which always has a wonderfully peaceful feel, takes on a mystical quality when lit in this unusual way. It certainly gives a feeling for what it may have been like in medieval times. With the candlelight, and the plainsong settings used by the choir, the presence of the old monks is tangible, and one can feel their participation in our worship.
Peace go with you through this year.
Posted by The Gray Monk at January 11, 2005 12:12 PM
Comments
I must say, it's been well worth waiting ages for the photos to download - a very beautiful sight! It does indeed make you think what the Abbey has looked in medieval times. Although, I expect the candles then would have given off a lot more soot than they do nowadays and their display might not have been quite as impressive as it is today.
Posted by: The Scarlet Manuka at January 11, 2005 09:42 PM
Please tell me about St. Faith. Is that a person?
Posted by: Faith at January 12, 2005 05:17 AM
St Faith is indeed a person, she was martyred in the 3rd or 4th Century, having defied her family to practice her faith, she was accused by members of her own family and burned on a grid iron. She was a teenager according to legend and there are a number of references to her. She is one of the patrons of musicians, the other being St Cecilia.
Posted by: The Gray Monk at January 12, 2005 01:55 PM
:-D
Both a real saint, and a theological virtue!!!!
Posted by: Faith at January 16, 2005 03:37 AM