Saturday, 11 February

Now what was I saying about the weather?  Well this week we again had more than our share of rain but this afternoon we had the mother of all storms.  It was dark, the noise was intense, there were lightning strikes around us and a huge fall of rain along with some hail.  We had to rush around closing windows. 

Our creeks in the rain.

Paul and I watched from the top balcony and neither of us could remember seeing so much water on the property.  Given that I first came here as a postulant 43 years ago today this is quite something.  The water flowed in rivers.  When the storm passed it became a brilliantly clear afternoon full of light and peace.  Paul said it was like the Judgement Day.  This is using the storm as an allegory.

The first dam is full to overflowing

When the sun came out Aloysius also appeared and remarked there had not been much rain! 

Aloysius had written earlier today to the OCD friars, nuns and OCDS telling us of Fr Peter Dowd's decision to seek leave from the friars to join the diocesan clergy of Broken Bay diocese.  Aloysius wrote: "We will surely be surprised and saddened by Peter's decision, but we respect it and support Peter with our prayers."

After the storm- peace and beauty

After the storm- an allegory?

The driveway to the priory

We had rain during the week as well but a lot of work was completed.  Here you can see the driveway leading to the entry to the new priory.  If you click on the photo you can make out the timbercrete wall in front of the chapel.  It borders the new walkway to the chapel and retreat centre.

 

New roofs

The oratory- note the curved line of the ceiling

Looking to the entry to the oratory

The blockwork in the oratory is now more or less complete.  It is an impressive room.  The brickies have moved on to putting up the walls of the guest room and the kitchen. 

Looking to the oratory

Below is the view across the property from the common room which now has a roof as well.

View from the common room