Downside Easter Retreat

Every year the Abbot of Downside invites the OMV to join the community’s Easter Retreat. This is organised by the monks for the Old Gregorians and their families.

Held on the school grounds, it’s a truly wonderful way to prepare for Easter. All attending are invited to join the monks for the Holy Week services in the beautiful Abbey Church. These include Vigils, Lauds, Vespers and the Easter Triduum.

There are also talks given by a member of the community on devotional and ethical topics….

The OMV stay in Bainsbury House on the school grounds and are slightly separate to the main retreat. It is a great opportunity to spend time with friends, but also to prepare spiritually for Easter.

On Good Friday, we carry the cross from Wells Cathedral to Downside over the Mendip Hills, led by a member of the monastic community and praying the Stations of the Cross on the way. The Easter Vigil on Saturday night is a truly magical and unforgettable service. The service ends at midnight, at which point we are able to start the Easter celebrations with a resurrection party.

If you are interested in coming this year, please contact Alice Marnham.