Broken Wholeness

Day three
07-18-2010
Northampton

This morning (Sunday) we attended services at Coventry Cathedral and spent some time visiting the cathedral grounds which include the ruins of the old church. Following lunch we departed for Kenilworth Castle, a short ride away.

Coventry Cathedral bears some explaining. There have been three cathedrals in the city since within the past 1000 years. St. Mary’s, the first, fell into decay following the dissolution of the monasteries and removal of the cathedral to another city in 1539. St. Michael’s church, organized as a parish in the 12th century, had built a tremendous church beginning in the 14 century. This church became the cathedral in 1918 when the diocese of Coventry was created. The beauty of this 700 year old church crumbled in one night during World War II.

From the cathedral’s website: “The majority of the great ruined churches and cathedrals of England are the outcome of the violence of the dissolution in 1539. The ruins of St. Michael's are the consequence of violence in our own time. On the night of 14 November 1940, the city of Coventry was devastated by bombs dropped by the Luftwaffe. The Cathedral burned with the city, having been hit by several incendiary devices.” www.coventrycathedral.org.uk

Immediately following the destruction, the people vowed to rebuild both the church and the city. What emerged from the ashes was a civic and religious identity of peace, reconciliation and the restoration of hope. Building the new St. Michael’s cathedral began in the fifties and finished early the next decade. The bombed out remains of the old church rest immediately adjacent to the new. New/old, broken/healed, hobbled/healthy- this is the stirring context for life and worship in Coventry.

To worship and walk in this Holy Place is to witness the resurrection. And it often left us speechless, drawing deep breaths with tears in our eyes. Brokenness and wholeness often dwell in the same place.

For many of the choir, the youth especially, this was a first feel of cathedral worship. The large proportions of the church are similar to that of Ely, where they will sing evensong tomorrow evening. Contemplating filling such a large and holy space with their voices gave them pause, and called them to consider the task soon at hand. We enjoyed the service, and were warmly welcomed by the clergy, lay leaders and members of the church.

After lunch in Coventry we made our way to Kenilworth Castle. It is an amazing site and we had beautiful weather for our afternoon outside. Again we found ourselves amidst broken buildings, hearing the stories of God, empire and power and the endless capacity for humanity to render ruin in most every era. And yet the day was lovely, and the recently restored Elizabethan gardens (the originals were built for her by friend, and sometime suitor, Robert Dudley) were spectacular. Once more- wholeness in the midst of brokenness.

Tomorrow is our travel day. We arrive in Ely in time for lunch and a quick settle in at our lodgings. By 3:00 the choir will be in rehearsal and 5:30 is the first evensong of the residency. Blessings to all, and peace.

- Jonathan

p.s.- If i have time I will post picture tonight. If not, you'll see them tomorrow.