On a Friday morning, blessed with clear and sunny skies; a group of seminarians, led by Fr David, set out on a venture to Beaconsfield. Occasionally, the seminary plans outings which make use of Allen Hall’s proximity to various modes and means of London transport to view different sites, taking in what a particular place has to offer, and in this case, treading the countryside. Buckinghamshire-bound, the seminarians were set for a day where they would learn more about the prolific author and philosopher G.K. Chesterton (1874-1936) by visiting the area where he had settled and wrote many of his works.
Post arrival, Fr David offered Holy Mass in the parish of St Teresa. Afterwards, the parish priest explained the parish’s significance to Chesterton’s life. After settling into Beaconsfield Old Town; Chesterton deliberated which Church held sway in his heart. He came to St Teresa’s parish on a rainy day and leaving his umbrella outside, he entered the Church. When leaving, his umbrella was nowhere to be seen and thus; Chesterton’s decision had been made to join the Church of sinners.
Chesterton was received into the Catholic Church in 1922 in a space just outside St Teresa’s. Amongst his contributions was the Marian statue (seen on the right in the above picture) which appealed to Chesterton as an Irish colleen. The infant Jesus in her arms, looks out at the congregation with open arms gesturing that we (all) are his. Also, the entrance to the Church features a stained glass work inspired by Chesterton’s ‘Ballad of God Makers.’ Amidst this tour, the seminarians were shown some original copies of Chesterton’s books, within which, his secretary had stored newspaper clippings regarding articles and reviews of Chesterton’s works. We thank St Teresa’s parish for their hospitality during our brief visit, for the wonderful insights into aspects of Chesterton’s life, and for a tour of the Church’s impressive architecture.
After this, the group set out for lunch at one of Buckinghamshire’s traditional establishments, fuelling up, for the trek ahead. Following the pub lunch, the group advanced throughout the scenic landscape of the local area; traversing muddy and slippery paths, and even having to cross over onto the right path after a navigating decision.
