From 1 July to 14 August, the Aylesford UK community hosted a “language experience” which the following attended: Andres Trujillo Herrera (Ita-Col), Janer Fernando Gomez Torres (Ita-Col), Karol Amroz (Pol), Antonin Prikasky (BM), David Del Carpio Horcajo (Baet), Jean de la Croix Dino Bori Sumbu (Ita-RDC), Manoel da Cruz Alves da Silva (Pern) and Jimmy Vogel (Swedish seminarian).
The specific objectives to be attained by the end of the course by all the participants, not only the more advanced ones included:
- Understanding the readings at daily Mass.
- Developing homily points for the readings.
- Praying parts of the Eucharistic Prayer
- Proclaiming the Gospel or other scriptural readings.
- Giving a short introduction to the Mass.
- Taking the role of cantor or reader in the Divine Office.
- Giving a short presentation on Carmelite life in their country of origin.
- Giving a short presentation on Carmelite spirituality or history.
Classroom activities included a thorough review of some key grammatical points, reading and listening comprehension and a certain amount of more open discussion. The immersion experience consisted of living and working with the local community at prayer, at the table and at recreation. The work in the classroom and the community immersion were supplemented by a number of trips designed to offer a taste of English life and an opportunity to use the language in “real life” contexts. Places visited included: Rochester Castle and Cathedral, Maidstone, Canterbury, including Evensong in the Cathedral, the City and University of Cambridge and London.
