Christmas lunch at Aylesford

The temperature has dropped in this part of the world over the past couple of days and the pond at Aylesford had chunks of ice floating on the surface.

Aylesford, the Carmelite Priory confiscated by King Henry VIII and re-acquired by the Carmelites in 1949, was the home of St Simon Stock who received the vision of Our Lady, granting him the brown scapular which is worn, in miniature form, by Catholics all over the world. I always love to visit the Priory which is a mixture of ancient and modern buildings, the home of a community living and working in the service of the gospel.

A forty minute drive in the coach took us there from Blackfen today for a "Christmas Lunch" organised by the Union of Catholic Mothers. I know it is still Advent but these occasions are a good way for people to get together, spend a day out safely, and enjoy a good lunch in good company. I'll admit that I did doze a little on the coach on the way back but I think I was not the only one.

Lunch at Aylesford

Each year, Hilda and the Union of Catholic Mothers organise a trip to Aylesford for the Christmas dinner served by the magnificent catering staff. Today after Mass, on a glorious December morning, Cedar Coaches took us along the A2 to the Friars. Here are a few photos from the day:



There were other photos taken as well as mine as you can see here:

Brother Lawrence O.Carm welcomed us and told us all about the 13th century Pilgrims Hall. It has a lovely fireplace in which a good blaze kept out the cold:

Many people bought books, medals and other Christmas presents from the Friary shop as well as having the opportunity to jon the Friars for Mass. We returned to the coach well nourished both physically and spiritually.