Mothering Sunday

Today, we started by going to a traditional Latin Mass, as a treat. It’s a long drive from where we live, but it’s always worth it. The air of quiet reverence and holiness, the space and silence in which to pray, and the sheer beauty of prayers that go back centuries and are hallowed by usage - not least by countless saints - make it a wonderful experience. Very different from our normal parish Mass - but as it was Laetare Sunday, we felt we would treat ourselves. Interestingly, the kids really like the Latin Mass; in fact the three eldest all prefer it to the New Rite.

The kids had all made lovely cards for their mother - and also for her mother, who was taking us all out to lunch for a treat. Home made cards are very much a part of our family tradition, and the kids are always very creative - each in his or her own unique style.

They had also baked and decorated a cake for tea, and written and rehearsed a song (using the Flanders & Swann tune for ‘Mud, Mud, glorious Mud’, but with words re-written about Mum, Mum, glorious Mum.) They did this together, with Ant on clarinet, Bernie on flute, and Charlie and Dominique on piano. Although not the most polished performance, it was delivered with great enthusiasm and affection and was duly appreciated.