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A Warm Welcome for Bishop Stephen Wang at Worth Abbey
On Saturday 24 October, the Abbey Church and grounds were filled with over 1,200 clergy, religious, parishioners, family members and friends, all united in prayer and celebration as they welcomed Bishop Stephen Wang.
The Abbey Church was filled with clergy, religious, parishioners, family members and friends who gathered to pray together and celebrate this important moment in the life of the Church. The liturgy was marked by a spirit of joy, gratitude and hope as those present offered their support and prayers for Bishop Stephen.
Music played a particularly special part in the celebration. We were delighted to welcome a large diocesan schools' children's choir, whose enthusiasm and beautiful singing enriched the liturgy, alongside the diocesan adult choir, who also turned out in impressive numbers to lead and support the congregation's worship throughout the Mass.
A particular highlight of the celebration was the Bishop's homily, which was both thought-provoking and deeply moving. Many attendees commented afterwards on how much it had resonated with them, speaking warmly of its messages. It clearly touched the hearts of many present and contributed greatly to the prayerful and uplifting atmosphere of the day.
Following the liturgy, guests gathered in designated areas within the Worth grounds to enjoy their picnics and the refreshments provided. The Worth Abbey Catering Team marked the occasion with a beautiful celebration cake, which Bishop Stephen had the pleasure of cutting, while guests also enjoyed specially created cakes featuring the Worth Abbey logo. These thoughtful touches added to the warm and celebratory atmosphere of the day.
The occasion provided a wonderful opportunity for people from across the Diocese and beyond to come together, renew friendships and celebrate this significant milestone within the joy and beauty of Worth.
A huge and heartfelt thank you must go to our incredible team of volunteers. Despite challenging weather conditions, volunteers turned out in remarkable numbers and worked tirelessly throughout the day to ensure everything ran smoothly. From car park marshalling and welcoming guests on arrival, to stewarding within the Abbey Church and assisting across the grounds, their generosity, dedication and kindness were instrumental in making the day such a success. We are deeply grateful for everything they did before, during and after the event.
We would also like to thank all those involved in the planning and delivery of the celebration, including the Worth Abbey Trustees, volunteers, staff and monastic community, whose combined efforts helped to create such a memorable occasion.
Photography: Our thanks to Liz Finlayson Photography for capturing the day so beautifully.
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