Concluding part one

I've no real excuses for the delay in posting this but with the arrival home and events of the weekend, I've not got round to concluding and posting this!

It seemed fitting that the conclusion of the first part of my sabbatical was spent at two more English Cathedrals - but in particular, in Liverpool. Towards the start of my sabbatical, I visited Norwich and went to the Sunday morning service at Thorpe St Andrew where my grandfather was incumbent. Liverpool also has connections - my grandfather went to theological college here, served his curacy here, was married and finally was incumbent of St Margaret's Anfield. He was, in the 1950's a priest serving the poor of the city. St Margaret's Anfield was a huge building

built in the late 19th Century (pictured below). It was burnt down in 1961 and now a more modern building stands in its place. During my grandfather's time in Liverpool the cathedral was built.

Liverpool Cathedral is the largest cathedral in the UK - and it feels it the moment you walk in. It's an amazing space and the Lady Chapel is the size of most parish churches. The history of the building is amazing and was 'built by the people, for the people to the glory of God'. I get a deep sense of spirituality and God's presence in the building. It's very much in-tune with the city and the people of the city. Nikki and I have been to two graduation ceremonies there as Matthew and Alexander graduated from Liverpool John Moores University. I also spent 10 days there in 2023 getting a taste of what it's like to minister in a cathedral. A good friend of mine, Ellen, is Director of Social Justice for the Diocese of Liverpool as well as residentiary canon - Canon Chancellor. After the morning communion service Ellen and I caught up over lunch and at Evensong she preached an amazing sermon

On the wall of the west end, just above the doors is a Tracy Emin installation - a work in pink neon 'I felt you and I know you loved me' seeing this evey time catches me. I find it a deeply moving piece of art. Feeling God in this place, in this space and knowing that God loved and loves me.

I never tire of Liverpool. It is an amazing city with an amazing people. It was a relatively 'busy' weekend - I met up with Matthew and his girlfriend, Melissa on Saturday afternoon and spent Sunday at the cathedral and with Ellen. On Monday morning I headed to Gloucester on the last leg of this part of my sabbatical.

Reflecting back on my 6/8 weeks of travel, it's been an amazing time. It's been a peaceful and restful time. I've settled into a pattern and rhythm of daily prayer and quiet as well as seeing cathedrals and the wonder of God's creation. There were moments when I was left speechless at the shear beauty of the countryside around me. I have to confess that the Lake District was a bit of a shock to the system in terms of how busy it was. I don't think, after the peace and quiet of Scotland that I was ready for the hustle and bustle around Windermere! It did, however, help me to re-adjust to returning home and a bit of nomality.

A break now before our river cruise through Europe. I may endeavour to continue to blog in between but no guarentees! In the meantime some more photos of my travels.