Andrew Quernmore

It is difficult to beat North Wales (when the sun is out). We have a ‘repose’ day on our retreat today; an opportunity to step back into normal activity before returning to the discipline and silence. Not difficult at all when such a glorious day was provided.

Also an opportunity to eat something way more enticing than the retreat fare. If you are vegetarian and in Bangor, Gwynedd, then the place to head for is Kyffin Café Deli, 129 High Street, Bangor, LL57 1NT. Beautifully presented, creative, wholly vegetarian menu. Today’s mezze was delicious.

In 2005 I walked part of the Camino to Santiago de Compostela in Galicia. It was wonderful and the arrival at St James’ Cathedral was incredibly moving. Even with the click-clickety- click of hundreds of cameras and their flashes throughout the service the spirituality of this “thin place” couldn’t be disturbed. I hope to go back, at some point, to walk the full route.

Here’s the Anglican collect for this feast day:

Grant, O merciful God, that as thine holy apostle Saint James, leaving his father and all that he had, without delay was obedient unto the calling of thy Son Jesus Christ, and followed him: so we, forsaking all worldly and carnal affections, may be evermore ready to follow thy holy commandments; through Jesus Christ thy Son our Lord, who liveth and reigneth with thee, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever.