Ordinand Lilly Nelson discusses her time in Canterbury during Holy Week, which she attended thanks to the St John’s Student Opportunities Fund.
It was through the Cranmer Hall Administration’s team I was informed of the unique opportunity offered by the senior staff at Canterbury Cathedral as an experience week over Holy Week, and it is through the generous contribution from the St John’s Student opportunities fund this was made possible.
I am a 1st Year MA Student based at Cranmer Hall as an Ordinand (Training for Priesthood in the Church of England). Holy week, particularly as my final liturgical year as a laywoman, spending time in the Mother Church of the worldwide Anglican Communion, offered a rare, full insight to the ministry of the Cathedral, but also provided insight to see the workings of Canterbury Diocese. The programme over the week included behind the scenes tours of the theology library archive, Organ loft and stained-glass department as well as the unique services offered by the Cathedral over holy week. This included worshipping in the company of the young people from the Community of St Anselm, a community who join for a year from all over the Anglican Communion.
I was one of 7 Ordinands from different theological institutions throughout Europe. It was a fantastic experience to share part of my journey with a range of diverse individuals who are also training for Priesthood.
The most precious experience from my time in Canterbury was the opportunity to serve in the worshipping life of the Cathedral. A particular gift of this was being in the presence of his Grace, The Archbishop of Canterbury, who joined with us for worship each day. A former student of St John’s College himself, Archbishop Justin Welby did remark on this in our conversation. Having an opportunity to meet, pray and serve alongside the most senior priest was not only an incredible privilege for me: he met the Ordinands as a such a simple, genuine, holy spirit filled priest.
I feel fully encouraged by my experience at Canterbury and will be forever blessed by the richness of the encouragement and the encounters with God throughout my time there. Thank you!
John's Chronicle 