A very successful and happy residential retreat for our oblates took place at the Abbey this year from Monday 1st - Thursday 4th July. Officially the retreat was in celebration of the 50th anniversary of Pluscarden being raised to Abbatial Status. That is: our first Abbot, Dom Alfred Spencer, received the Abbatial Blessing from Bishop Michael Foylan of Aberdeen on 25 September 1974. Dom Alfred was absolutely the first Abbot of Pluscarden, since from 1230 to 1560 the Superior here was always a Prior. The mediaeval Prior's coat of arms would include a crozier, but never a mitre.

Numbers attending the retreat fluctuated somewhat as it unfolded: but the average was maybe around 20 people.

Fr. Martin had organised a full programme, with a wide variety of speakers. Advantage was taken of the diocesan Pilgrimage, so that the marquee on the nave lawn was pressed into extended service for oblate meals and breaks. Advantage was also taken of the presence of Bishop Hugh, who gave the first Talk of the retreat.

Talks by speakers at a distance were successfully set up using modern technology and a large screen.

They included our oblate Bishop Richard Moth, and our oblate Fr. Stuart Chalmers at Salamanca, and our Fr. Dunstan at Petersham. Abbot Anselm gave a talk: his first as Abbot Emeritus! Other speakers were Br. Louis of Kristo Buase, our Prior Fr. Giles, Sub Prior Fr. Joseph, and former oblate master Fr. Benedict.

Probably the oblates appreciated above all the opportunity to be at the monastery, to get to know it and one another better, to participate in the community's life of prayer, and feel a part of its spirit and mission. May this and other such initiatives help all to grow continually in the knowledge and love of God, and in the generous gift of self in His service.