A peaceful day

We had a prepriesting retreat day today which was a lovely opportunity to meet up with colleagues who I don't see very often. It was held in a recently refurbished monastry. Over 40 years ago a monk called Tom built it, I think he was well ahead of the curve when it came to upcycling as it was quite basic yet beautiful in its simplicity and had a very holy feel about it. He grew lots of produce in the garden and sheep pastured there too. The fruit trees are still there with beautiful blossom today against the blue sky. Much of the character has ben kept but the fabric and facilities are very mucvh upmarket now. I wonder what Fr. Tom would have made of it hopefully, he would be pleased with the way it is to be used going forward.