I know, "retreat" sounds bad, like some kind of defeat, but this was good, a retreat with the local chapter of the SSC (Society of the Holy Cross) at Camp Crucis, just outside Granbury. It's a fun drive if you take the country roads, 22 and 144 through Whitney, Meridian, Walnut Springs and Glen Rose, with long stretches of empty two lane highway running through the hills.
Not so long ago this was bandit country, the notorious haunt of outlaws and bootleggers and it still has, I always think, a frontier feel. You can imagine Indians on the hills and sure enough they were there, but now Granbury's home to marauding hordes of tourists instead of Commanche war bands and the camp's pleasantly distant from that.
Our schedule was simple, Morning Prayer, Low Mass, Evensong, Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament and a series of meditations on the priesthood. Plenty of time to have fun with fellow clergy too, all united in a common love of the Faith. And no, there weren't any priestesses performing transing liturgical dance to the beat of a unicorn's hooves. That's not allowed.
Then, all too soon, it was time to head back to the Compound, uplifted in spirit. It was good to get away.
God bless,
LSP
6 comments:
Nicely done. A good time being had by all, a bugle call might be in order......
Retreat and To the Colors:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7KdctpcPv1g
In the old days, the soldier was required to face the flag or if it was not in direct view, in whatever direction the flagpole at Main Post was located when Retreat was sounded and then render the hand salute when To the Colors started. Motorists were required to stop, exit their vehicle and do the same. I have no idea what is the correct procedure these days, but I sincerely hope a bow and curtsey toward the current Surgeon General has not been added.
What did you lot in the Glosters do, LSP?
It's always good to get a Spiritual Recharge, Parson. Good to hear yours was a pleasant one.
Was that Father Cantrell at the altar?
Nice link, Wild. As I recall, we did something similar: if in the vicinity of the square come to attention while Retreat's played but not salute.
It was uplifting, thanks, drjim.
That's Fr. John Jordan, Longhorn. (He's in charge of our local chapter)
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