During Easter week 2007 nearly fifty Salesian priests and brothers from the UK gathered in Worth Abbey for the annual Province retreat.

Fr Nick Reina SDB led the retreat. He is Rector of the Salesian House in Richmond California and was formerly Provincial of the USA West Coast Province. He based his morning talks on the Resurrection narratives in the Gospels and his evening talks on the Religious Life and the vows of obedience, poverty and consecrated celibacy.

A highlight of the week was the the Mass celebrating Jubilees of ordination to the priesthood. The photograph above, taken in the Abbey Church by Fr Anthony Bailey, shows Fr Albert Carette leading both chronologically (60 years a priest) and liturgically, flanked by Fr Peter Burns (50 years) and Fr Michael Hynes (25 years). Ill health prevented Fr Hugh Douglas (also 60 years ordained) from attending, but his photograph was displayed at the foot of the altar.

The beautiful surroundings, comfortable accommodation and warm hospitality offered by the Benedictines of Worth Abbey were much appreciated. Later in the year, Salesians less able to travel will be making their retreats in their own communities of Bolton and Farnborough.