The Blessing of Sr Anne Clarke OSB as Abbess of St Mary's Abbey
The Blessing and Installation of Sister Anne Clarke OSB as Abbess of St. Mary's Abbey (Malling Abbey) was celebrated on the 4th November 2020 in the context of the Eucharist. The Bishop Visitor, the Rt. Revd. Laurie Green, presided and Canon Alan Vousden acted as his assistant. We had hastily brought the service forward from 7th November when a second lockdown was announced. Covid restrictions meant that we had a low-key celebration with few guests but it was a beautiful and profound service on a gloriously sunny day. The following video is of the Rite of Blessing and Installation, extracted from a film of the full Eucharistic liturgy.
- Order of service single A5 pages
- Service booklet for double-sided printing (flip on short side)
- Film of the full Eucharistic liturgy
Covid security: This liturgy was celebrated in the midst of the Covid pandemic and much consideration was given as to how it could be done safely. Both Sister Anne and Bishop Laurie had been isolating before the ceremony so it was decided that they did not need to wear masks even when in close proximity. The community live as a single household and were providing the choir, so remained unmasked. The guests were masked and socially distanced from one another and from the community and celebrants.