Framlinghamian 2023 - Flipbook - Page 164
SPIRITUAL LIFE
Spiritual Life
“GOD GRANT ME THE SERENITY TO ACCEPT THINGS I CANNOT CHANGE;
COURAGE TO CHANGE THINGS WHICH MUST BE CHANGED; AND THE
WISDOM TO KNOW THE DIFFERENCE.” REINHOLD NIEBUHR
Religion and the Christian calendar give
to the College choir, which was supported
us a rhythm and routine that provide
by Laura Wright (OF), was breath-taking.
predictable structure and emotional
But it was the solo of Joseph’s Carol
security to those in our community. Chapel
(Rutter) by Head Boy, Finlay Bloore that
life and its devotional depth adds vitality
will ‘go down in College history’ as the
to all who share in its routine. But the last
moment to savour and treasure.
year also saw dramatic breaks from such
routine, as our College was shuddered out
The New Year’s optimism was soon
of such rhythms by events that were either
shattered by the sad passing of a
very sad or most joyous. There were
College Pupil – Holly Bethell (15/12/2011
ample examples of both extremes over
– 28/4/2023). With Karen and Bill Bethell
the year.
as members of our sta昀昀, the tragedy was
felt by all and the community was left in
The passing of HM The Queen and
numb shock and pain for many weeks.
subsequent State Funeral on 19 September
The Service of Remembrance for Holly in
was the moment in time a generation
the Chapel on 2 June 2023 was a chance
came to an end. The Queen had been an
to celebrate her legendary impact. A life
inspirational spiritual leader during her
昀椀lled with joy, vitality, positivity, musical
reign. She was the epitome of a servant
genius, courage and unlimited kindness.
leader and defender of the Faith. Our
The recitation of My Shadow (Robert
College, along with our Nation, grieved
Lewis Stevenson) by Florence Moore and
deeply.
the karate display in the chancel were just
two of the poignant moments the packed
The onset of Advent and a magni昀椀cent
Chapel will treasure as reminders of a life
Carol Service in St Edmundsbury
well-lived. As a 昀椀nal goodbye, many of
Cathedral lifted our mood and gave
her friends left prayer 昀氀ags on the altar, in
opportunity for Christmas cheer. Listening
memory of her life.
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