Downside
Saints or Superheroes?
18-25 August (Mon-Mon)
All-age; Fully catered
Many of us are named after them; some of us have a devotion to them; most of us laid claim to their protection, and maybe their virtues, when we were confirmed. Saints (with a capital "S") are the ones who have triumphantly made it to heaven, clutching their holy-level certificates of beatification or ordination.
In an age of celebrity worship, are saints still our famous folk? Haloes are the ultimate in glitz, and there has always been a thriving, tacky souvenir industry around the big cult favourites - martyrs, confessors, miracle workers or virgins.
We will be looking at saints as role models and as intercessors: true lives and lively legends. St Giles and St Thomas a Becket were massive in their time; more recently, we have venerated St Thomas More and St Theresa of Lisieux. Which saints will be the superheroes of the 21st century? Shall we revive the "historically worthless" St Eustace (associated with nearby Wells Cathedral), or acclaim St Rose of Lima (feast day 23 August) for her up-to-date focus on living simply?
But saints are also those of us who simply strive to lead good lives. "A saint is one who lives by the Holy Spirit, and in this sense all are called to be saints". We'll be rediscovering the old litany of saints and writing a new one. Sessions will include talks, art, drama and discussion, as well as a living liturgy. Come prepared to make the Communion of Saints a reality during this week.
Chair: Mari Girling
Organisers: Jane & Mike Willcox, Deirdre Mahon
Chief helper: Katie Hewitson.
Chaplain: Peter Hunter OP
Downside School is a large boarding school, adjacent to Downside Abbey, in Stratton on the Fosse, 12 miles south of Bath. Places to visit nearby include Cheddar Caves & Gorge, Glastonbury and the ancient City of Wells.
Accommodation is in single or double bedrooms or dormitories. Facilities include sports hall and gym, squash courts, playing fields & tennis courts.
Bookings to:
Jane Willcox
201 Wilton Road
Southampton
Hants
SO15 5JA
Tel: 02380-342290
e-mail: