Hail and Farewell at St. Andrew's

St. Andrew's, or San Andres,  is located in the southern part of Mexico City.  On the one campus is located St. Andrew's Seminary for the Anglican Church of Mexico, the Offices of the Diocese of Mexico, the Offices of the Anglican Church of Mexico, a retreat and conference center, and the residence of the Bishop. 

The Seminary chapel is a modern building, a church-in-the-round of the style that was popular about 30 or so years ago when it was built. 

Yesterday the Clericus, which is the monthly meeting of Anglican clergy of the diocese, met there 

for our regularly scheduled gathering.  It was no ordinary gathering, but the farewell to a beloved colleague, the Rector of the other English-speaking parish in the Diocese, whose church is about 4 hours from Mexico City in the town of San Miguel de Allende.  Since it was the first time I had met him, it was a 'hail and farewell' as they say.  Although there are a number of English-speaking parishes scattered throughout Mexico, with his departure and the retirement of teh rector of St. Michael's in Cuernavaca, I remain the only Rector of an English-speaking parish remaining in this part of the country.  Fortunately, I am not the only English speaking Anglican priest -- a number of my colleagues speak fair to excellent English, and one has even studied in the UK. 

I loved worshipping in this modern building -- the altar is in the very center of the round building, set up on a dais, so that when communion is served, the whole congregation gathers in a circle around the altar to receive the sacrament.  It felt like being a part of the family at the family table.  Since the building is constructed of stone and tile, the acoustics are marvelous, and even though we were only about 25 in number, the building resounded when we sang.  Although the interior is relatively plain, it did not have the feeling of being cold or severe that so many modern church buildings have. 

We gathered for Eucharist to begin the day.

At the conclusion of the service, those celebrating anniversaries of ordination were called to the front of the chapel for a prayer, and a gift was presented to the parting priest.

I often have to pause to remember the still rather startling reality that I am now a priest of the Anglican Church of Mexico, rather than of the Episcopal Church in the US.  Inspiring events like this one at St. Andrew's remind me of that reality, and the more important reality that I am not alone in this work, but joined by a cohort of devoted and talented clergy. 

MORE Diamond Jubilee

As as said, the celebration goes on ... or rather, went on. 

Saturday of the Jubilee weekend, I was invited to the celebration of the Queen's Diamond Jubilee hsoted by the British Society of Mexico City, which was held at the Club Industrial -- a private club for the business elite of the Federal District.  There were about 150 people present. 

The guest of honor was H.E. Judith MacGregor, the British Ambassador to Mexico.  Here she is being escorted into the dining room by a bagpiper of St. Patrick's Battalion.  Beside here is her husband (wearing clan MacGregor tartan, or course.)

Of course the Rector of the Anglican Parish gave the grace (that would be me), first saying the official jubilee prayer.  The Ambassador led the assembled group in two toasts -- one for the queen and the other for Mexico.  Somehow I found it very moving that folks recognized both their native land and their adopted homeland, joining in saying Viva Mexico!

I felt very proud that Christ Church's choir concluded the event with a presentation that included two of Handel's Coronation Anthems, plus traditional and folk music of all of the British Isles.  Selections included The Londonderry Air (popularly known as O Danny Boy) and Rule Brittania!   I was moved to tears when they sang A Celtic Blessing.

Lunch was -- of all things -- quail!  I guess the menu was chosen to be suggestive of hunting game out on the moors or something. 

Truly, I am grateful for so many opportunities to meet so many fascinating people.  It is a gift. 

Diamond Jubilee

In my nearly 25 years as a priest of the Church, I have done many different tasks, worshipped in a variety of ways, and joined in singing many different types of music.  But Sunday was a real first for me.  First time I prayed for the Queen of England.  First time I sang God Save the Queen.  First time I read a reminder for Sunday services that bore the instructions: "Ladies, please don your hats."  They did.  And I did.  (not don a hat, but I sang God Save the Queen and prayed for Her Majesty.  In this international and multi-cultural setting, particularly with a (relatively) large number of British worshipping with us, it made sense to acknowledge the extraordinary 60 years of the world's longest reigning monarch.  Especially since she is an Anglican lay woman who has been involved in the appointment of bishops, and been present to inaugurate  innumerable church-affiliated schools and hospitals over the years. 

Since it was a special Sunday, we had not only our usual cadre of acolytes, one of the faithful took the role of verger to lead the processeion in front of the crucifer.  He looked very dapper, and, for some reason, I thought, very British.  The choir sang the Coronation Anthem  from Handel's Oratorio Zadok the Priest. And they led the singing of the National Anthem of the United Kingdom (God Save the Queen). 

After church at coffee hour there was sparkling wine and cake filled with marzipan and frosted with (what else?) royal icing.  It was a very festive day, and not only our own members from the UK and the commonwealth were present, but also a few special guests from the diplomatic community, including the Jamaican Ambassador, and representatives from the British and the Australian embassies. 

Here is a member of the parish with Justin MacKenzie, a representative of the British Ambassador. 

And here is another parishioner with H.E. Delrose Montague, Ambassador from Jamaica. 

As it seems to be in England, the celebration goes on and on...The British Community here in Mexico City will be having several events to mark this momentous occasion.  There are at least two more this week.  Vivat Regina!