REVELATIONS

“Our father, who art in heaven, hollowed by thy name, thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptations, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, the power and the glory, for ever and ever. “

This was read at the mass conducted by the Priest Vicar of Westminster Abbey by Reverend Dominic Fenton yesterday. I was touched by his sober sermon discussing the sad state of the world -troubles in the Middle East, North Africa, and Central Europe.

These were of course the most noticeable of troubles however. There is much other turmoil around the world that goes on unreported. Wildlife is being decimated and nature depleted, for example.  I am very pleased that someone, such as the Reverend Fenton, is bringing our attentions to these issues in such public gatherings as most of us are simply caught up in our own little world of worries and problems. I myself, am one of these people. My life has changed dramatically since two years ago when I filed for divorce, and my energy is mostly spent on fending for my survival to be able to engage in world issues at large.  This, however, is not an excuse to be indifferent to what’s going on elsewhere as a citizen of planet earth.

Events took a sinister turn for me two years ago. As a result I lost complete access to the charity and the South China tiger project that I conceived, established, implemented and ran for over ten years. But the positive side of that is I now have the luxury of time and what’s more, liberty, to pursue other interests. I started making regular visits to the many beautiful churches and cathedrals in London, particularly in my neighbourhood of City and Shoreditch, the true heart of historical London.

Although not born into any religion (on the contrary in fact), I have always liked visiting churches, cathedrals & monasteries.  Many of those I had the opportunity to attend while living in Italy are not just breathtakingly beautiful, culturally enriching, but spiritually enhancing.

The calming influence the ecclesiastical institutions provide has often given me strength and clarity at these trying times of extreme uncertainty and challenges. I feel particularly lucky to be surrounded by these beautiful living monuments that provide services to the local communities. One of the Christopher Wren churches that I am particularly fond of is St. Michael’s Cornhill. This little jewel of a church is almost hidden in the bustling City of banking, making it a precious refuge for those who seek solace and consolation. When its rather majestic organ sounds, it is simply powerful and entrancing.

I can not sing enough praise about the organ concerts held at these London churches which in my humble opinion rival the most wonderful of concert halls in the world. If there is anything that I feel addicted to at present, it got to be these heavenly sounds in such pleasing surroundings. Not too bad a consolation prize though, I’d say.