Invited in

Ever the optimist, when I saw a sign on the main road into Peebles pointing right and suggesting the possibility of 'RC Church 1/4m' I decided to take a chance. I'm glad I did. 

First, let me say this, and it's wonderful to say, the door was open. After finding so many locked Scottish churches, St Joseph's was not just unlocked, but the door was open and inviting. Inside, the church is simple but very well cared for; there was a light on at the back, a little shop offering Catholic devotional cards and items for sale, and a donations box (in which I happily made an offering!)

To my delight there was a teeny, tiny chapel on the north side with a prayer desk in front of it and a votive candle stand beside. If the number of candles is any guide, I was roughly the seventh person so far today to stop and offer some prayer. And it was so quiet, so still, such a prayerful little church. I had such joy of it. Honestly, I could have spent the rest of the day here, just praying the Jesus Prayer and enjoying the stillness.

Hanging in the chancel behind the altar was a simple banner reading: "I was a stranger and you invited me in". It seemed amazingly appropriate.

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