Worth Abbey and the Induction Mass of A&B's Director of Education

I was at Worth Abbey yesterday for the Induction Mass of Marie Ryan as Director of the Education Service of Arundel & Brighton Diocese. The Abbey is home to a community of Benedictine monks and is adjacent to the beautiful Worth School, a premier boarding and day school of almost 600 students set in several hundred green acres. Lucky students!

The Abbey Church, a wigwam-like structure, was opened in the early 1970s and I remember it for two things: because of the design, it is tricky for photography, with some gloomy areas and others pierced by sudden bursts of brilliant sunshine; the uncomfortable kneelers are wooden, in sympathy with the design of the seats which are curved to reflect the geometry of the church and made of black walnut and ash...impressive but not built for comfort. 

Outside, it was a chilly day with bright blue skies. Inside, it was warm and cheery, the monks, priests and deacons were gathering to process in, Bishop Richard Moth was on top form and there was an excited buzz from the congregation, mainly teaching staff, parents, governors, supporters and DABCEC education staff.

No more words, here's a few of my favourite photos of the day.