Different Photos...

These were taken with my trusty little phone camera. First of all, I gave a lift to Leutgeb, author of Bara Brith. We arrived early, and, after bumping into Fr. Ray Blake, we decided to go for a quick coffee. We didn't stay long, as I was sure that all the seats would be taken fairly early, and the idea of standing for a two-hour Mass didn't really appeal...

After the Mass, people congregated outside on the Piazza, catching up with various friends, and, in some cases, making new ones. I was surprised to be greeted by one person with the comment "You must be the strong woman!" - surprised because my profile shows the back of my head, and he was seated in front of me in the cathedral... and anyway, there was hardly a shortage of mantillas in evidence! Mike (a Facebook friend and blog reader) later admitted that he'd seen me greet Fr. Tim before we all went into the Cathedral.

I also spotted Damian Thompson talking animatedly to a group of people (possibly fellow journalists) and hastened to take advantage of this photo opportunity. I hadn't realised that he had already been at a press conference to interview the Cardinal before the Mass started. Apparently a journalist from The Tablet was also there, and was having a gripe about the Church being dragged backwards. Mr. Thompson soon put her right, according to my source!

I was delighted to make the acquaintance (in person) of Mark, author of Rise and Pray. He is a really great chap, with a wicked sense of humour and a fantastic personality. If I wasn't already spoken for, he'd be in serious trouble! (It's ok, Mark, only kidding... !)

Seriously, though, I think Mark has been holding out on us, blog-wise. His understanding of the Faith and his witty comments made him a real pleasure to converse with! There! I bet I've made him blush!

Fr. Tim can be seen here, checking out the damage to his camera. Fr. Charles Briggs, Parish Priest of Chislehurst and non-blogging priestly blog-guest is on the right. I was delighted to get to know Fr. Charles a little better on our trip to Lourdes - he was chaplain to the group along with Fr. Tim.

And here you can see Mark and Fr. Tim discussing exactly how many photos I'd taken...

Truly, a day to remember!