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The Very Revd Dr Robert Willis is the 39th Dean of Canterbury since the Reformation. The deans of the cathedrals of England have a habit of having their conference after Easter. I am tucked away in Guyana, South America. Even better, though, is that these widely shared posts and lighthearted TV clips introduce countless numbers of people to the Deans morning service. On camera and off, their joint ministry continues; Fletcher is sometimes able to reach out to garden congregants in distressing circumstances; candles are lit in the cathedral for those asking for prayer. The Dean of Canterbury Cathedral, Robert Willis, is to retire his position at midnight on 16 May 2022, the eve of his 75 th birthday.. Like many in that situation, I became extremely hungry for spiritual inputs, and I suppose I might say that Dean Robert was cosy and comforting from the outset, but with time more and more and more of a spiritual teacher for me as well. By - March 1, 2021. He has such great intellectual and spiritual gifts which the church needs, and which the world needs, and we hope his voice will not be silent. On Monday, March 30, 2020 early in the COVID-19 pandemic Dean Robert commenced with his production partner, Fletcher whose influence, technical support, research capabilities and imaginative capacity cannot be overstated a series of broadcasts aimed at anyone, anywhere who might listen in, as the UK and many parts of the Anglican world at Thank you, Keith. I am a cradle Anglican and I was educated in an Anglican Girls school in Toronto, Canada. The Dean, Robert, with lop eared bunny closer look at lop eared bunny Oh, and we managed to fit in a couple of hours painting/sketching in the gardens in the middle of it all. Submit news to our tip line. And my instinct was to say, 'well, we better stop and do this again.'. If all good things must end, then the impending conclusion of broadcasts from the Deanery Garden of Englands Canterbury Cathedral illustrates Chaucers dictum accurately. That connection cannot be severed by an arbitrary date or the flick of a technical switch. Video shared on social media shows the 14-year-old feline turning his attention to food placed next to Dean Robert Willis and stealing one of Dr. Willis's pancakes. It would be wonderful if the COE would allow the Garden Congregation to continue but listening to Dean Robert today 5/11, I think he put that to rest. And OH all those precious, beloved animals! Your browser does not support the video tag. Dean Roberts morning reflections from the deanery garden began on the first day of the UKs lockdown in March 2020, when not even clergy were allowed to step foot in their churches. And, yes, I think there is a very strong possibility that there are forces at work here who have wanted him out for reasons obvious but that have a more convenient way of dismissal. (You will need to register. Thanks, again, for this tribute. I am so very grateful as I look back and remember Canterbury in that time frame a short time each day which was so rich in blessing! I am able to watch my churchs services online but I so love the beauty of the gardens and the animals and the calm, comforting voice of Dean Willis and that feeling of this caring community praying together. Robert Willis served as Dean of Canterbury for over 20 years and, during the coronavirus pandemic, became familiar to online audiences across the world for his Morning Prayer videos from the Cathedral - and the impromptu appearances of cats Leo and Tiger. What a blessing! That is the Holy Spirit at work a concept very dear to me since my own case of being born again on February 28th 2021 (Transfiguration Day in Poland). Indeed, he arrived back from Tanzania only a day or so ago. Perhaps it was unintentional at the onset, but Dean Robert and Fletcher (and all the others who helped with the services) brought us together from around the globe to help us show the world what the Creator's Kin-dom looks like. According to Statute 1.6 of the Constitution of Canterbury Cathedral: 'The Archbishop may confer upon a Dean, a Residentiary Canon, an Honorary Canon or an Archdeacon who vacates his office and immediately upon such vacation retires, the title, as the case may be, of Dean Emeritus or Canon Emeritus or Archdeacon Emeritus. Dr Willis has now set up a dedicated newYouTube channelto continue his garden ministry. He served as curate of St Chad's in Shrewsbury from 1972 to 1975[3] and was a vicar choral of Salisbury Cathedral and chaplain of Salisbury Cathedral School from 1975 to 1978. Should Florida Save Kids From Perverse Parents? And, the critters, who is caring for them so lovingly? I wish the best for Dean Willis and the talented Fletcher and for all in the Garden Community. A number of other Anglican cathedrals have held special services for Freemasons. I love the above articles and comments, which CLOSELY match my own thoughts and observations (not least a growing feeling that the Deanery Gardens there in Kent (as Garden of England) are INDEED the size of Belgium, beautiful beyond compare of course, and with a biodiversity of mega-proportions). Dean Willis talked to us as friends- and family- not as congregants and anonymous worshippers. The full range of Cathedral assets including music and worship, the Chapel of the Modern Martyrs, ancient bibles, modern sculptures, and specially commissioned altars have been displayed and connected to daily scriptural and to seasonal themes. Speaking of direct connections, imagine my surprise when I tuned in on Friday Sunday April 30, 2021, as Dean Robert kindly noted my retirement from ordained ministry at 1:30 into the broadcast. Thank you for this. I have been living the most stressful 10 years of my life and the pandemic put me at the bottom of a pit; then quite by accident I found Dean Willis on YouTube and began my climb back to spiritual strength and comfort. I miss Dean Robert and Fletcher more than I could ever have thought possible! The Dean of Canterbury, The Very Revd Dr Robert Willis, has announced that he will cease to be Dean at midnight on 16 May 2022, the eve of his 75th birthday. As the Dean says in his final broadcast, till we meet again.. View all posts by kennethjgray, canterbury cathedral garden congregation, dean robert willis. The Very Revd Dr Robert Willis is Dean of Canterbury The Very Revd Dr Robert Willis is the clergyman in charge of the cathedral. These online broadcasts have grown and developed in style of delivery and incorporation of content from the early days of the pandemic in a most amazing and unpredictable way. All of us are connected in ways we may never have imagined the first time we clicked on the YouTube play button. [14][15] A similar incident occurred in July 2020, when another one of his cats, Tiger, began to drink from a jug of milk that had been positioned next to Willis. and took part daily in the Garden Congregation. Head Stonemason Heather Newton Heather is currently. Just thinking. The final blessing each day. We were drawn to his humanity, his love of life as he showed it to be infused by Gods spirit, and his obvious passion for the Word of God as a living manifestation of Gods love and presence in the world. It has been publicly announced today that The Archbishop of Canterbury, The Most Revd Justin Welby, has conferred upon The Very Revd Dr Robert Willis the title of Dean Emeritus of Canterbury, in recognition of his lifetime of ministry. Willis was appointed a Commander of the Venerable Order of Saint John (CStJ) in 2001[22] and a Knight in 2009 (although the Order does not grant the use of the prefix "Sir"). I can say with all honesty and not a titch of exaggeration that this ministry helped me personally through a horrible bout of depression. Were saying farewell until we meet again.. Sold for 2000 Plus buyers premium of 27% An Antique Tabriz Carpet, woven in colours of ivory, navy blue and wine, the field filled with trailing leaf and floral ornament, on an ivory ground within conforming five stripe borders filled with meandering vine pattern, 12ft 3ins x 8ft 9ins View St Laurence Education Trust and Ampleforth College are committed to safeguarding children and promoting the welfare of children and young people. The Anglican Church in the Sunshine Coast, Lower Mainland and Fraser Valley consisting of 62 parishes and 4 worshipping communities on the ancestral lands of the Coast Salish First Nations. Had the disciples been paralyzed at the ascension, the gospel would never have gone forth. The quality of videos evolved with practice, but the popularity of Dr Williss broadcasts really took off thanks to the frequent impromptu appearances of his cats, Leo and Tiger, and other members of the Deanery menagerie. MRS JACQUELINE ELEANOR BANNER is a Clerical from Canterbury Kent. Rather than break a 1,400-year tradition of daily prayer at the Cathedral, Dean Roberts partner Fletcher suggested he say morning prayer on the Cathedral grounds instead. If for any reason an author wishes them removed simply contact me. Its all right, theyve decided to carry on without the Dean, Were not saying goodbye at this stage, he said in hisfinal Morning Prayeron Monday, delivered against a glorious backdrop of wisteria. You are not signed in as a Premium user; you are viewing the free version of this program. option selection above at the current full price on the date of each renewal, until you cancel. They come from all ecclesial backgrounds, or none; a non-religious friend in the United States who is a hard nut when it comes to spirituality sends the video services on to his colleagues and reports to Dean Robert that they are well received. V6H 2E2 I just wish that we could know where they are living nowdo they Masonic rituals were "blasphemous" because God's name "must not be taken in vain, nor can it be replaced by an amalgam of the names of pagan deities," the report, passed by a vote of 384 to 52 with five abstentions, concluded. Its not good-bye, but God be with you as we all set out on this new beginning! You have expressed so many of my thoughts and feelings as our time in the Garden Congregation draws to an end. Hello Kenneth, The legislation, available on the British government's website, specifies that the "only objects of the Chapter," the cathedral's governing body, apart from conserving the fabric of the building and using it for charitable purposes, is to "advance the Christian religion in accordance with the faith and practice of the Church of England, in particular by furthering the mission of the Church of England. That is the Holy Spirit at work a concept very dear to me since my own case of being born again on February 28th 2021 (Transfiguration Day in Poland). Fiona Willis Family. Jesus Christ was The Rosary crushes evil like no other weapon. You also Those early recordings from the garden, less than 10 minutes long, provided a point of contact, stability and spiritual succor in the early, anxious weeks of the pandemic. Given the Church of England's stated position that every abortion is a tragedy, did they not question whether the giving of the award in Canterbury Cathedral and its presentation to a woman responsible for 70,000 abortions in the past year alone, was appropriate? May God bless you in the transition ahead. We were excited to see the launch of the Morning Prayers from the Deanery Garden start in March of 2020, and like you, we havent missed a single one of them- although sometimes it meant watching a couple in a day to catch up with those we couldnt see because of other scheduling demands. Are they happy? There are several public car parks nearby. At one point I could no longer pray or had forgotten how. In November 1992 Willis was instituted as Dean of Hereford,[6] primus inter pares (first among equals) of the governing body of Hereford Cathedral. If you have a gift code you would like to redeem, click here. Freemasons donated 300,000 to the cathedral for the restoration of its northwest transept. Go bless you always Dean Robert and Fletcher.. Following the Deans talk and a Betty Geddes-catered lunch, the deacons broke off into smaller sessions to explore ministries in different gardens of the world: street outreach, climate change, truth and reconciliation, community partnerships, and chaplaincies. Dean Robert pointed to the story of the wedding at Cana, in which the steward of the feast was mystified by the quality of the wine brought out after the previous stores ran dry. There are not too many of us Brits around who know that place, but I do! This year, we went to Exeter and Truro. My deacons orders are my orders I prize most of all, he noted. A cathedral is not a commercial hire but a building whose purpose is to glorify God and uphold biblical truth," Andrea Minichiello Williams, member of the Church of England's General Synod told Church Militant. When any church or chapel is to be used for a play, concert or exhibition of films or pictures, the minister shall take care that the words, music and pictures are such as befit the House of God, are consonant with sound doctrine and make for the edifying of the people. With the help of the new YouTube channel and the existing services going back over two years, we are generously being given the opportunity to remain connected. I was most blessed having watched from within a few days of the beginning (which of course I looked up soon after). The Dean cannot say, 'nothing to do with me, Guv' when an event takes place in the cathedral. Filter appointments Filter appointments Current appointments Total number of appointments 1 Date of birth November 1976. [12] In response, Willis, filmed by his civil partner Fletcher, began to broadcast religious services from the deanery garden at Canterbury Cathedral. Not valid with other promotions or offers. In this, Dean Robert and Fletcher (who plans the garden backdrop and weaves in clips of music, art and film to complement the commentary) are doing the diaconal work of building a bridge between the church and the wider world. What a beautifully written tribute, Ken! Many in the UK and here in Canada have attempted to change the minds of ecclesiastical lawyers who are allegedly bound by the strictures of Canon Law which in this case seems to be at odds with secular practice. Daily Eucharist 08:00Lunchtime Eucharist 12:30 (Wednesdays and Feast Days only)Daily Choral Evensong* 17:30Sunday Choral Eucharist* 11:00All are welcome and there is no charge to attend a service. The text below is updated from a previous version. Bizarrely (one would say, if one did not know different), Dean Robert has recently made reference to places and things that matter much in my own life, not least the Anza-Borrego Desert State Park in California. Bruce Morris, Archdeacon for Deacons or read the Deacons Handbook on the diocesan website. [11], During the COVID-19 pandemic, the Church of England suspended public worship. The Deans love of character, event, art, music, poetry and prose is unbounded. While minimally edited for length and occasionally content, they attest to the warmth and relevance of the Garden Congregation ministry. When he would officiate at a chrism mass, a liturgy that formerly heard the renewal of vows by order, he would insist that the priests rise to renew their diaconal vows as well. times. Other special Garden Congregation features include visits to the pig barns, the aviaries and the greenhouses during rain and thunderstorms. At other times we learn about the English singer Cliff Richards connection with Canterbury. I shall miss terribly the spiritual boost and direction that the dean has provided through this horrendous time. By clicking submit you agree to our privacy policy, Cathedral House, 11 The PrecinctsCanterbury, CT1 2EHUnited Kingdom+44 (0) 1227 762862[emailprotected]. I will NEVER forget my life being changed by those words of beauty, love, mercy and joy from the top Catholic. One large regret we never got to meet Fletcher face-to-face! Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. FLETCHER JAY BANNER is a Apprentice Landscape Gardener from Canterbury Kent. The Very Revd Dr Jane Hedges, who retired this month as Dean of Norwich, has been appointed Acting Dean of Canterbury. Report on the November 6, 2021 Diocesan Deacon's Day. All will be well. "The dean cannot say, 'nothing to do with me, Guv' when an event takes place in the cathedral, since the dean and Chapter are corporately responsible for maintaining the sanctity of the place, in analogous fashion to the incumbent of a parish church (who is a corporation sole)," the canon lawyer explained. The service he has given to Canterbury Cathedral, and the contribution he has made to the Christ's Church through a lifetime of ministry are inestimable. What began as simple prayers, morphed over time into longer and more ambitious productions, growing in scope and deepening in reflection drawing content from multiple sources including the occasional special guest visitor bearing hedgehogs. Morning Prayer with the Dean, Fletcher, and all the critters was the best food for the soul to begin ones day. *Live streamed online. Just live it every day. The Catholic Church imposes excommunication on Catholics who become Freemasons. Our standard visitor ticket is valid for 12 months, meaning you can re-visit the Cathedral as often as you want during that time at no extra cost. In so doing it gave us relief as no other could from the world's troubles, war and sense of isolation due to the pandemic. That meant so much to us!! Parking in the Cathedral grounds is only available for Blue Badge holders, subject to limited availability and prior arrangement. Change). Then the Deanery cockerel the aptly named Russell Crowe delivered a perfectly timed intervention to the reading of Peters denial of Christ. The Rev. The Dean of Canterbury, The Very Revd Dr Robert Willis, has announced that he will cease to be Dean at midnight on 16 May 2022, the eve of his 75th birthday. Hopefully, we remember the BBCs Pilgrimage: Road to Rome in which a marvellous, Godly Pope Francis speaks to Stephen K. Amos about the noun more than the adjective? He was a strong advocate for the Salisbury-Sudan Diocesan link and has played a leading role in promoting links between the Hereford Diocese and four dioceses in Tanzania. Dean Robert became my best friend during the 2 years I watched Throughout the pandemic, I watch the online Sunday services provided by my own church. Linkedin. Robert Andrew Willis KStJ DL (born 17 May 1947) is an Anglican priest, theologian, chaplain and hymn writer. And how? Broadcasts took up positions proximate to buttresses which afforded unique cathedral viewpoints throughout the property, all giving the impression that the garden must be the size of Belgium. The penalty is explicit in the 1917 Code of Canon Law (canon 2335), and implicit in the 1983 Code (canon 1374). Thanks for your comment. I can honestly say that Dean Roberts readings and reflections made Passion Week and Holy Week the most meaningful I have ever experienced. There will never be enough said about the greatness of his teachings and prayers. Fill in your details below or click an icon to log in: You are commenting using your WordPress.com account. As he reached amen, he told the deacons, Leo gave an enormous yawn that looked as if he was chiming in with an enthusiastic amen of his own. Fiona Willis's son is Max Willis Fiona Willis's daughter is Alana Willis. Are You Neglecting Your Christian Prayer Life? They will be sorely missed. Nevertheless, I wish you both a wonderful retirement. Everyday we were given such a precious gift and my soul misses those prayers and teachings, beautiful music and art, gentle stories and laughter, wonderful images and memories we shall always remember! Perhaps all good things really do come to an end, and perhaps there is a next step for lovers and afficionados of the Garden Congregation. He brought so many blessings to our lives. [3], He was awarded an honorary Doctor of Divinity (DD) degree by the Berkeley Divinity School at Yale University in 2009[3][7] and an honorary Doctor of Civil Law (DCL) degree by the University of Kent in 2011.[5]. Dean Willis was called of God as an instrument to share Jesus Christ to all who would listen. The Archbishop of Canterbury, The Most Revd Justin Welby, who was installed by Dean Robert at Canterbury Cathedral in 2013, said: "Dean Robert has been one of the most exceptional deans of the post-war period - overseeing Canterbury Cathedral's life of worship, prayer and witness with creativity and imagination.The Archbishop of Canterbury, The I do wish Dean Robert and Fletcher well as they move on. have a garden? The initiative was his own, supported by his partner Fletcher, as a way of not breaking the 1400-year tradition of the daily Office at the cathedral. For about a year now, I have watched in from Poland (as a Brit totally separated from his homeland until April 22nd). Do royal rituals continue to evoke a spiritual response in the British people, as they did in the past, asks Ian Bradley. FLETCHER JAY BANNER is British and resident in United Kingdom. Maybe some day, somehow, we will learn. We have found 3 people in the UK with the name Fletcher Banner. from Gods Word. Perhaps all good things really do come to an end, and perhaps there is a next step for lovers and afficionados of the Garden Congregation. His nickname is Very Rev Robert Willis. It has been a real time of enjoyment, especially this unexpected time with you, he said. Fiona Willis's husband is Robert Willis. (The Zoom broadcast posted to YouTube is available below), 1410 Nanton Avenue - On the ancestral lands of the Musqueam, Tsleil-Waututh and Squamish Nations Thank you Dean Robert and Fletcher. What a wonderful and inspiring communicator- we really miss our time with him each day. He rose to the top of the oil industry - ending up as treasurer of Enterprise Oil - and gave up a six-figure salary to train as a priest. [2], Willis was educated at Kingswood Grammar School in Kingswood, near Bristol. Jesus Christ is the head and cornerstone of our faith. Dean Roberts departure will be a huge loss for those of us who followed his Garden Congregation, and I for one am very disappointed that the Anglican Church will do nothing and just allow this global community of 40,000+ to just dissolve. Monday to Saturday 09.00 - 17.00 (last admission at 16.00). . The Dean quoted a favourite email he has received from one of these viewers: I tuned in for cat and stayed for catechism.. Like you, we have also wondered how the Dean and Fletcher have found time to read so many books, see so many plays and operas, learn so much poetry, hear so much great music- and especially to remember so many details of what they had seen and heard to connect them to spiritual truths in these wonderful morning reflections.

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