We started in a shop ....

The first meeting of the new Northampton OCDS group in the Shrine of Our Lady of Perpetual Succour took place last Thursday. We had started as a Carmelite spirituality group (or preparatory group for OCDS aspirants) at the beginning of the year. We had to meet in a bookshop in town because we couldn't find a church to meet in at that point. Then an aspirant told us she was very active in the parish of Great Billing where the shrine is. The good news was that they had a room for small meetings next to the church. I have to say it is perfect for a group of our size, but I am in hopes that we shall outgrow it in years to come. The bookshop is run by two business partners who wanted to exercise a ministry with visitors to the shop, a ministry of love and spiritual support. So our small group is one answer to their prayers. The Lord works indeed in mysterious ways. Incidentally, one member makes a strenuous train and taxi journey to get to the meetings. Such individuals are inspiring in a group by virtue of their very presence, which speaks of deep commitment.