I have been re reading a lot this year as I have needed the comfort of beloved, known books after the death of both my parents late last year. New books are too much right now. Yet, I agree that re reading equals change and growth because i come to the book a different person and leave it with fresh insights too. What a gift! Thank you for the information on Bernard.
Thank you for this Palm Sunday sermon! And I can't wait to read about your trip to visit medieval churches! I'm doing research for a novel right now that takes place during late 1348 when the plague hit London. In January, I took a research trip – and here's my Time Travelogue on the subject. Hope you enjoy! https://katesusong.substack.com/p/a-time-travelogue-to-medieval-london-d5b
I am listening to Dan Jones's popular history of the Middle Ages, Power and Thrones, and just this week was wondering how Bernard advocated for the second crusade as he did. I knew I wanted to learn more, so I am thankful for what you have shared here. Is there a particular introductory text of Bernard's writings that you would recommend?
I think his sermon collections are the best places to start. Cistercian Press has multiple, based on the liturgical year, and also based on his famous Song of Songs series. I know that there's a recent biography of Bernard that has been well-received (Bernard of Clairvaux: An Inner Life, by Brian Patrick McGuire), but I haven't read it myself so this is on hearsay only!
Thank you! I just read your Plough piece, and it is wonderful! In fact, it provided insight into my struggle with my TBR that I wrote about in today's newsletter: I'm being too consumeristic! I have saved the piece and will return to it in the future because I am interested in the impact of reading and literature on spiritual formation.
Persuasion is the Austen book that I am most likely to reread these days. :)
Persuasion is my favorite Austen! But Pride & Prejudice is the one I first fell in love with.
Thanks for the kind words about the Plough piece! I'll have to go look at your newsletter for your thoughts about your TBR. I'm always interested in formation and reading!
One more thing about Canterbury Cathedral - Canon Emma Pennington is another keen medievalist - I've started a couple of her online book clubs, which have been excellent (although sadly life got in the way). Maybe we need a secret handshake or signal to identify ourselves!
Thanks for these posts as ever. Hope you have a really good time in our green yet oftimes soggy land! Are you getting to my most loved city of Canterbury?
Evensong at the cathedral is around 530pm. I've always found something special about how long services have taken place there.
St Augustine Abbey is good, if ruined, and St Martins church is nearby - 6th century no less.
If you're looking to eat Le Café des amis du Mexique is one of the best Mexican restaurants, but you will need to book.
I have been re reading a lot this year as I have needed the comfort of beloved, known books after the death of both my parents late last year. New books are too much right now. Yet, I agree that re reading equals change and growth because i come to the book a different person and leave it with fresh insights too. What a gift! Thank you for the information on Bernard.
Yes! Rereading in times of grief is such a gift. Blessings to you!
Thank you for this Palm Sunday sermon! And I can't wait to read about your trip to visit medieval churches! I'm doing research for a novel right now that takes place during late 1348 when the plague hit London. In January, I took a research trip – and here's my Time Travelogue on the subject. Hope you enjoy! https://katesusong.substack.com/p/a-time-travelogue-to-medieval-london-d5b
Oh awesome thanks for sharing!
I am listening to Dan Jones's popular history of the Middle Ages, Power and Thrones, and just this week was wondering how Bernard advocated for the second crusade as he did. I knew I wanted to learn more, so I am thankful for what you have shared here. Is there a particular introductory text of Bernard's writings that you would recommend?
I think his sermon collections are the best places to start. Cistercian Press has multiple, based on the liturgical year, and also based on his famous Song of Songs series. I know that there's a recent biography of Bernard that has been well-received (Bernard of Clairvaux: An Inner Life, by Brian Patrick McGuire), but I haven't read it myself so this is on hearsay only!
Thank you! I just read your Plough piece, and it is wonderful! In fact, it provided insight into my struggle with my TBR that I wrote about in today's newsletter: I'm being too consumeristic! I have saved the piece and will return to it in the future because I am interested in the impact of reading and literature on spiritual formation.
Persuasion is the Austen book that I am most likely to reread these days. :)
Persuasion is my favorite Austen! But Pride & Prejudice is the one I first fell in love with.
Thanks for the kind words about the Plough piece! I'll have to go look at your newsletter for your thoughts about your TBR. I'm always interested in formation and reading!
One more thing about Canterbury Cathedral - Canon Emma Pennington is another keen medievalist - I've started a couple of her online book clubs, which have been excellent (although sadly life got in the way). Maybe we need a secret handshake or signal to identify ourselves!
Thanks for these posts as ever. Hope you have a really good time in our green yet oftimes soggy land! Are you getting to my most loved city of Canterbury?
I am, for one brief afternoon & evening! Any recommendations?