We visited Westminster Abbey during our twenty seventeen trip to London but both felt that there was so much to see that it was almost overwhelming. We decided that we wanted to take the tour one more time now that we had a better understanding of the layout and much of the history. After leaving the Dickens’ Museum we got a ride to the City of Westminster and made our way to the famous cathedral where we waited for the time of our appointed reservation.

The audioguides of the present day were far easier to use than the ones that had left us a bit confused the first time around. We also felt far more comfortable and less overwhelmed my the majesty of the cathedral itself so we slowly made our way to each section knowing that nobody was going to rush us from one place to another. We took our time and let the history soak into our very skin. 

While we were there a mass was taking place and we decided to tarry for a bit and celebrate with others who had taken seats and were praying together. It made the cathedral feel more sacred and personal to see it first and foremost as a working church, not just a collection of historic artifacts. As a Catholic I noticed that resemblances between my faith and that of the Church of England. 

After the mass we continued our journey, viewing the final resting places of kings, queens and important figures in the history of Great Britain. Each story was so touching and personal that I found myself feeling reverence for the hundreds of years that the cathedral had been a place of worship more so than the pomp and circumstance of history. Itfelt a clearer understanding of journey that humankind has taken over the centuries. 

Soon we were at my favorite spot in the cathedral. Poets’ Corner, here famous authors are either buried or remembered for their literary contributions. I was like a kid in a candy store as I read off the names of so many of my favorite authors. Just as before I was in a state of awe, wishing that the English teacher who had first introduced me to these people were there to discuss the importance of each person. The world would have truly been a duller place without them. 

Next came the resting places of scientists, explorers and political leaders like Isaac Newton and Winston Churchill. There was even a plaque dedicated to Franklin Roosevelt whose partnership with Britain during World War Ii will never be forgotten. I was happy that we came back to this glorious place. I felt a clearer understanding of its in role in the history of Britain but also of the world. 

What was most exciting to both me and my husband is that I had learned that there was going to me an Evensong that very afternoon starting at five. All we needed to do to partake in the event is show up around four thirty. We left to rest a bit in our hotel and to gather our coats knowing that nights became rather cool in London during October. 

At four thirty we were ushered into the cathedral with clear instructions that there would be no photography of any kind allowed. We learned that the event would include a special tribute to the ambassador of Fiji who was there with his wife celebrating their anniversary. Soon enough the sounds  of angelic voices filled the air as the choir processed into the church. I was immediately so moved that I was unable to keep tears of emotion from forming in my eyes.

There was an alternation between readings from the Old And New Testaments, sacred songs, and a homily. The whole event was moving and inspiring and I felt that we were part of something so much bigger than even the sum of all of our lives. It was a spiritual moment in time that bound us together with all of the souls who have gathered to praise God. It was so profound that I could hardly catch my breath. 

We all left the church soundlessly and once we were outside I turned to my husband who proclaimed his own reference for what had happened. It seemed such a fitting way to understand the true meaning of what Westminster Cathedral has meant to the people of Great Britain over time. 

We rode the tube from Westminster back to the Embankment Station quietly pondering what we had just witnessed. We followed with a lovely dinner that seemed to bookend the day perfectly. It had been glorious in every possible way.

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