Yesterday evening in the
Chapel of King’s College, I attended a majestic Sung Requiem in Commemoration
of the holy life and death of King Henry VI. The musical setting was Durufle’s Requiem. The service included a simple
procession of offering roses and lilies in which Choral Scholar Sam Landman
(Yes, him again I’m glad to say.) participated.
Among the highlights was
congregational singing in Latin during said procession (Rex Henricus), all the parts featuring the choristers (They are
sounding wonderful as usual.) and a beautiful singing of Ley’s Prayer of King Henry VI. I’ve come to really love it and the
prayer itself, which captures the humble submission and trust of Henry VI so
well. I am adopting it as my
prayer. The English translation
from Latin:
O Lord Jesus Christ, who hast created and redeemed
me, and hast brought me unto that which now I am; thou knowest what thou wouldest
do with me; do with me according to thy will, for thy tender mercy’s sake.
Amen.
A last note
about the service – as I was entering the Chapel, I saw a man in cassock beside
those entering who looked like Dr. Rowan Williams. I thought, Surely not.
But I looked again, and it was him, and he looked very well and in good
spirits. He attended the service.
This past Tuesday morning I
attended the morning chapel service at Eton. Remembering King Henry with 1300 Eton students, formal uniforms
and all, was definitely a new experience for me.
Morning chapel is still
mandatory at Eton. And in front of
me, roll was taken at random of one of the houses. I was told punishment for skipping chapel was severe. I dared not enquire further.
----
And, yes, it is surely
providential that my schedule has very naturally allowed me to attend services
remembering Henry VI at both of his foundations, King’s and Eton, and where he
is buried, St. George’s Chapel.
For which I give hearty thanks to God.
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