ON DAY ABBEY WAS DISSOLVED 400 YEARS AGO
DOM BRUNO FEHRENBACHER WAS INSTALLED AS ABBOT OF BUCKFAST ABBEY LAST FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 24.
ON THIS DAY, 400 YEARS AGO, A LAST MASS WAS SAID AT ST. MARY'S ABBEY, BUCKFAST, BEFORE ITS DISSOLUTION UNDER HENRY VIII.
Only members of the community and the Abbot General's delegate, Dom Adrian Taylor, Abbot of Ramsgate, were present at the ceremony, which is not a public one.
During the ceremony, which took place in the Chapter House, Dom Adrian Taylor presented the new Abbot with his abbot's robes, pectoral cross and ring, and also with the seal of the monastery. The professed monks then paid homage to their new Abbot, kneeling before him and kissing his ring.
Public Blessing Will Follow
After the private installation ceremony the new Abbot entered the Abbey church, where he was conducted to his throne. The Ter Deum was then sung.
The Blessing of the new Abbot, a public ceremony in the Abbey, will take place probably at an early date.
Dam Bruno Fehrenbacher arrived at the Abbey on Thursday evening. He was greeted by the monks and a group of children of the village. A village girl presented him with a bouquet. The grounds and precincts of the Abbey were decorated with evergreen garlands and coats of arms of monasteries and abbeys.
Prays At Predecessor's Tomb
Immediately on his arrival, Dom Bruno, having signified his acceptance of office by kissing the Cross, escorted by the monks, visited the various chapels in the Abbey and then proceeded to the High Altar and the tomb of his predecessor, Dom Anscar Vonier. The choir sang anthems, and the Prior, Dom Raphael Stones, made a speech of welcome, to which the Abbot-Elect replied.