Launde Abbey is one of the glories of the Diocese of Leicester. Situated in the beautiful countryside of South East Leicestershire, and with a history stretching back into the Middle Ages when Launde was one of the great Augustinian monasteries in England, Launde continues to offer all those who cross its threshold, the possibility of rest, retreat and renewal.
On Bank Holiday Monday May 30th 2011, Launde was officially reopened after an extensive £2.6 million refurbishment. Pilgrims from Leicester and Peterborough came to celebrate and give thanks to God for the completion of the work. Many have given generously to ensure that Launde can move into the 21st century and offer some of the finest facilities that can be found in any Retreat Centre in England. Archbishop Rowan - himself a frequent visitor to Launde in the early 1980s - prays that 'this very precious place will continue to serve God's people for many years ahead in preserving a space for silence and truthfulness and deep encounter with God.'
Despite heavy rain, nothing could dampen the enthusiasm and joy of the thousands of people who came to Launde. Those who viewed the new dining facilities and the fine ensuite bedrooms in the main house were full of praise for the renovation. Many lingered to say a prayer in the ancient chapel, while outside in the extensive grounds, stalls were visited and workshops attended. The celebrations culminated in a wonderful service of thanksgiving and blessing in a marquee packed to overflowing. Led by Bishop Tim of Leicester and Bishop Donald of Peterborough, and attended by Bishop Paul Vasanthakumar of the Diocese of Trichy Tanjore, South India, the worship explored the deep things of pilgrimage: water - symbolic of new beginnings; incense - representing the life of prayer; bread which was shared demonstrating Launde's calling to care for bodies as well as souls; silence - that perfect gift from God to be re-discovered, cherished and sustained particularly in those places of transcendent holiness like Launde; the oil of wholeness - a visible sign of that hidden work of God's healing that takes place in hearts and lives and nations.
The vibrant worship captured the joy of celebrating a remarkable, God-given, event: in contrast to Launde, many retreat houses in England have closed due to financial contraints in recent years. Flags, incense, and a magnificent Taize Cross transformed the marquee into a church. Most moving of all was the music, led by the remarkable John Bell of Iona whose hymn 'Will you come and follow me if I but call your name?' was sung with a poignancy that demonstrated that words of faith can still be found that articulate our deepest spiritual yearnings. The haunting intercessory refrain 'Come bring your burdens to God, for Jesus will never say no' in its stunning simplicity was a thing of beauty.
All those from St Peter's and St Paul's summed up the day as a 'grand day out'. To view pictures of the day, visit http://www.leicester.anglican.org/. It is well worth considering visiting or taking a retreat at Launde. To find out how to , go to http://www.launde.org.uk/.
Despite heavy rain, nothing could dampen the enthusiasm and joy of the thousands of people who came to Launde. Those who viewed the new dining facilities and the fine ensuite bedrooms in the main house were full of praise for the renovation. Many lingered to say a prayer in the ancient chapel, while outside in the extensive grounds, stalls were visited and workshops attended. The celebrations culminated in a wonderful service of thanksgiving and blessing in a marquee packed to overflowing. Led by Bishop Tim of Leicester and Bishop Donald of Peterborough, and attended by Bishop Paul Vasanthakumar of the Diocese of Trichy Tanjore, South India, the worship explored the deep things of pilgrimage: water - symbolic of new beginnings; incense - representing the life of prayer; bread which was shared demonstrating Launde's calling to care for bodies as well as souls; silence - that perfect gift from God to be re-discovered, cherished and sustained particularly in those places of transcendent holiness like Launde; the oil of wholeness - a visible sign of that hidden work of God's healing that takes place in hearts and lives and nations.
The vibrant worship captured the joy of celebrating a remarkable, God-given, event: in contrast to Launde, many retreat houses in England have closed due to financial contraints in recent years. Flags, incense, and a magnificent Taize Cross transformed the marquee into a church. Most moving of all was the music, led by the remarkable John Bell of Iona whose hymn 'Will you come and follow me if I but call your name?' was sung with a poignancy that demonstrated that words of faith can still be found that articulate our deepest spiritual yearnings. The haunting intercessory refrain 'Come bring your burdens to God, for Jesus will never say no' in its stunning simplicity was a thing of beauty.
All those from St Peter's and St Paul's summed up the day as a 'grand day out'. To view pictures of the day, visit http://www.leicester.anglican.org/. It is well worth considering visiting or taking a retreat at Launde. To find out how to , go to http://www.launde.org.uk/.
