The Holy Caterpillar
by Christopher Lane
The Holy Caterpillar

Coping with change can be challenging, especially when called to let go of the very things you always believed were unchangeable.

But then what do you suppose goes through the mind of the caterpillar as in the chrysalis all its external organs shrivel up while all the internal ones dissolve into a kind of soup, to be reconstituted into something so amazingly different?

Chris Lane is an Anglican Priest and Chaplain of Carisbrooke Priory on the Isle of Wight, a centre for Christian Healing.

The Holy Caterpillar charts something of his own thoughts on the process of metamorphosis, both from a personal perspective and through the observation of others, all in the context of his Christian faith.

The first three chapters ‘Birth, Death & Resurrection’ explore a personal experience of these life-changing events. Chapter Four, ‘Acquisitiveness’, looks at the universal urge to ‘gain by oneself and for oneself’ and the final chapter ‘Change’ brings things to a head, as happened for the author when twenty years ago his nephew and godson came out.

The book does not profess to be a defining scholarly statement. Difficult and elusive issues are in part addressed through poems and the whole lump is leavened with some delightful cartoons by Rupert Besley.

Rupert is a professional cartoonist who features each week in the local paper and whose postcards have gone countrywide.

The author’s hope and prayer is that others browsing among the leaves of The Holy Caterpillar may find some help in dealing with difficult issues, not least the challenge to change what you thought was unchangeable.
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Carisbooks
Secondhand and mainly Christian books for sale at the Priory.



Tour the Priory

The Priory's garden is a peaceful and beautiful place to be.
A House of Prayer
The Priory welcomes all kinds of people, especially those looking for peace of mind. Some are searching for meaning and direction in their lives, whilst others are as much interested in helping as being helped, still others are simply curious to find out more about this house of prayer.

Chris Lane is the Chaplain and Colin and Marja Thornton are the Wardens. Each is full time, serving and helping to oversee the ministry at the Priory. Together they form the Chaplaincy Team which at times is augmented by others.

There are many volunteers who, together with the Trustees, seek to maintain this House of Prayer, a place where many may find the love God has for them. This is the love of the Lord Jesus Christ who it is believed above all has the power to open the door to true wholeness, the healing of body, mind, spirit and soul. Those responsible for the Priory share this faith, but the door is very much open to everyone wherever they may be on their own spiritual journey.

The Chapel
The Chapel is the place where prayers are held every weekday at 12 o'clock and to which everyone is welcome. On Thursdays they take the form of the 'Open Door' Service.Leaders from different Christian churches take the service and preach the word of God, Chapelwith contemporary and traditional worship. Each month the first Thursday is Communion and the invitation to share in the sacrament is for all who love the Lord Jesus and want to love Him more.

The 'Open Door' Service and Prayer for Healing
At the end of each service on Thursday there is an invitation to receive prayer for healing, with members of the ministry team.Those seeking prayer may like to put into a few words what their needs are but it is not necessary to say anything if prefered. The Lord after all knows our need.

Buffet Lunch
After the Thursday service, a simple lunch is served in the Dining room. On other days we would normally bring packed lunches but if anyone wishes to join us there is usually something to find in the kitchen! There are no fixed charges for this or any of the ministry the Priory has to offer. Donations though are always welcomed.

Activities
After lunch on Thursday the day continues with a variety of activities which may include a Bible study and Music workshop. On Monday and Friday afternoons, all are welcome to join the Art Group. A special welcome to those who think they cannot draw!

Garden - looking towards the Dining Room The Gardens
Many enjoy the gardens. The cloister garden is especially beautiful, and at the back a large walled garden is a place of great peace and tranquility with lawns, shrubberies and orchards. On the south side of the Chapel is another secluded, walled garden, somewhere to sit and reflect.

The Small Chapel Small Chapel
Upstairs on the first floor is the small Chapel. This is a special place for quiet prayer and a perfect setting for simple services of healing, maybe with communion, the laying on of hands and anointing with oil.


 

Art & Craft Room and Quiet Rooms
On this same floor may be found the Art & Craft Room and a number of small Quiet Rooms, simply furnished and well suited for private reading and prayer. These rooms are also used for Christian Listening, where trained Listeners can be met with, by arrangement.

Carisbooks
At the entrance to the Chapel will be found Carisbooks, selling numerous second-hand books, mainly Christian. Many more books may be found out in the garden in the Apple Shed.

Priory front showing chapel Visiting the Priory
Visitors are always welcome during opening hours and there is tea and coffee usually available from the Dining Room. Many find their way here by picking up a leaflet in one of the Island hotels,ferry ports etc. The Priory itself cannot offer accommodation to visitors but there are various places locally and details can be provided on request.

Some come to simply enjoy the very special peace to be found in the house and garden. Some may enjoy browsing through the many thousands of secondhand books. Others may like to lend a hand and there always plenty of jobs inside and out.

flowerbed
As much as help is welcomed, it is not essential that those coming should feel they must do something. It may be right to simply enter into the special peace the Priory has to offer and meet with the Lord in the stillness.

Our patron Bishop Morris Maddocks defined Christian Healing as: "The Lord Jesus Christ meeting us at our point of need". May God grant that be true for all who He brings to the Priory as he pours out his blessing. Amen.


Carisbrooke Priory Trust Company Ltd is a registered charity, in association with the Acorn Christian Healing Foundation and member of the Fellowship of Christ the Healer and the Quiet Gardens Trust.

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