In 36 years of ordained ministry I cannot recall the number of times I have said to innumerable people, “Public worship is not entertainment.” How blessed we are though at St Paul’s to be able to offer God our prayer and praise through the skill and artistry of so many gifted musicians. Evensong on the 26th kept the Feast of the Annunciation – pivotal in our belief in Jesus and the mission of the Church. The 1662 Book of Common Prayer that was used is regarded as perhaps the most beautiful piece of English writing ever collated and remains the bedrock of Anglican theology and identity. Under the precise eye of Errol Girdlestone, our Director of Music Grieg’s Ave Maris Stella rose up to the clerestory “Hail O Star of the Sea.” A most fitting tribute the Blessed Virgin’s words “Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord; let it be to me according to Thy word.” This was augmented by Aylward’s responses, canticles to settings by Stanford and our final hymn that “Tell out my Soul” that was belted out by all present. Fellowship continued after the service with Alison Bearn providing refreshments in St Paul’s House. It was good to see visitors from China and newcomers meeting together enjoying laughter and conversation; including one two year old and a chap who had only moved into Monaco on that day. This was indeed a fitting tribute to Our Lady in the highest Anglican tradition and worship worthy of God.
