The Big Day

Today was the Diocese of Edinburgh's Big Day at the Cathedral, the sub theme being Blessings on the Way, the way places and things and events can be interpreted in different ways. In particular a walk to work, through the City to the Cathedral and an interpretation of what one sees on the way. Our Bishop is retiring in about three months so today was a celebration of his time and the beginning of preparations for his successor.
The day started with worship, then into workshop sessions where charges celebrated and shared what they were good at, moved smoothly into lunch and finished with a final Eucharist. Beautiful music and lots to think about.
It was another beautiful sunny day and although I tried at several different times I just couldn't get a good shot of the Paolozzi window.
Throughout the day in the cathedral there were visitors wandering around admiring the building. They must have been a little bemused by what was going on, but benefitted from the free tea and coffee available throughout the day.
At the end of the service, each charge was given a candle to take back to their church as a reminder to pray for the search for a new Bishop. The candles had been made from the wax of last year's Paschal candles which had been gathered in, for the purpose. The election won't be until February next year and the process will begin officially on 27th September.
After a time in the warm sun, I went to Rogerson's in Rose Street to try some shoes which had been recommended by the podiatrist. (I took the tram as walking that far at the moment it's uncomfortable. Suddenly I felt old, it's less than a mile) I knew the word were going to be expensive - and they were. They didn't actually have them in stock so I have ordered two pairs to be delivered to the shop and I'll go in next week and try them and be refunded for the other. At least I managed to find some in the sale at ⅓ off which sweetened the pill a little. All that money and I don't even like them. I hope they fit.
My collage shows the Paolozzi window, Bishop John talking about his walk to work and the Blessings he found on the way, the High Altar and the Cathedral Easter Garden. We are now about half way through the Easter season in the Church calendar. It finishes on Pentecost Sunday later this month - 50 days after Easter and 10 days after Ascension Day
I came home feeling refreshed after a good day. Now we just need to get our new Rector appointed and I can relax.