ULTREYA GB 2014
Some 400 plus Cursillistas from all parts of the UK arrived in
Canterbury for ULTREYA GB 2014 on 30th August. The weather was
glorious and following registration in the Cathedral Chapter House,
the days activities commenced in the nearby Shirley Hall, which is a
large and magnificent assembly hall in the grounds of the famous
Kings School.
The many Canterbury Cursillistas on hand to help throughout the
day were easily identified by their splendid Yellow Shirts !!
Cursillista Steve Hook was the master of ceremonies and worship
songs were superbly orchestrated by the young musicians of Change
Music. The Right Worshipful the Lord Mayor of Canterbury,
Councillor Ann Taylor, warmly welcomed everyone to the city and BAC
President, Sally Henniker-Major addressed the assembled
Cursillistas with a comprehensive and informative speech.
Around 11:00 am, Cursillistas made their way to the Cathedral
including those carrying their brightly coloured banners
representing Anglican Cursillo in some 30 dioceses. Presiding and
Preaching at the Eucharist service was The Right Reverend Trevor
Willmott, Bishop of Dover in Canterbury.
The sermon centred on the reading about Moses and the burning
bush. Bishop Trevor reminded us that we have total dependence upon
Almighty God. “I am who I am”. As God counted on Moses and Moses
counted on God, so Christ is counting on us, and we are counting on
Christ.
During the service, more than 400 people received communion which
was distributed from seven stations.
The Ultreya resumed at 2:00 pm with more worship songs provided
by the talented young musicians of Change Music and a floating
1
group reunion took place with many groups enjoying the warm
sunshine outside the hall. An inspiring and challenging Witness Talk
was given by Dr Pat Chipping, a lady from Hythe, who spoke of her
concern for the homeless and the amazing work she had undertaken
to help them. A supportive response came from National Spiritual
Director the Reverend Hugh Burgess.
The afternoon finished with many taking tea in the Chapter House
prior to detailed and informative tours of the Cathedral by the
excellent Cathedral guides.
The evening saw a well attended and energetic Barn Dance in the
Kings School dining hall during which an excellent fish and chip
supper was served. Thus ended a long but most memorable day !!
2