Throughout our residency we have been blessed to have Anna Wiley, our Seminarian from this past year, along with us as our Cantor and Chaplain. Each morning Anna has led us in a short reflection on the Benedictine Rule of Life, an important part of the rich history of Gloucester Cathedral, followed by a short form of Morning Prayer. Originally founded as St. Peter’s Abby around 679, the Abby came under control of the Benedictine Order at the beginning of the 11th century. In 1536, the Abby was rebranded as a cathedral by Henry VIII as part of his dissolution of monasteries. The Benedictine spirituality is rich within this place, and so it only seemed appropriate that while in residence we also explore this important part of the cathedral’s history. One that can be foundational to how we order our lives.

Gloucester Cathedral’s vision for its community is that they are a people “in tune with heaven and in touch with daily life.” I can’t help but think that’s a good vision for us too. Based on Benedict’s “rules” or rhythms of life – prayer, study, work, re-creation, and hospitality – this vision helps one hold their life in balance. Anna has helped us explore these important rhythms, given us resources to use (hello BCP!), and shown us how easily one can incorporate these into our busy lives.

This week we have immersed ourselves not only in great music and culture, but in these Benedictine rhythms as we do our work as choir, worship morning and evening, share in fellowship, and rest in between. We have discovered much of what we do as choir is inline with these rhythms, yet with Anna’s guidance we have come to see them as something more deep and spiritually necessary in our lives. We are thankful for Anna’s guidance, the gift of Benedictines rules, and the opportunity to deepen our faith while making music in this place.

Soli deo Gloria,

Ben Keseley, Minister of Music

Quiet moments in the cathedral

Tintern Abby

Chepstow Castle

Cardiff