Sunday the 7th of November saw Westminster Cathedral packed with Catenians celebrating Mass for Deceased Brothers. In all, there were fifteen Guildford Brothers and Ladies at the Cathedral thirteen of whom later gathered at the Sicily Restaurant to enjoy a splendid lunch. The restaurant, formerley known as Da Scalza, had obviously undergone a facelift since last year and the new square tables facilitated conversation between the diners far better than the old long tressles. Yours truly together with Anne, were the first to arrive quickly followed by the other diners eager to escape the chilly and windy conditions around Victoria.
The service at Sicily was much improved on last year and once seated, the first course arrived soon after. Except for mine! Two ladies had changed their minds on their starter and, obligingly, the restaurant accommodated them. This may have contributed to the fact that the chef had run out of prepared squid and had to cook some more! By the time my starter arrived, some ten minutes later, I was in the throes of severe hunger pangs and I attacked the dish voraciously. Red hot peppers and all! Almost immediately, my tongue and throat felt as though they had been invaded by lava from a Mount Vesuvius type eruption! I squeeled, water, water! and drained the two large jugs which were in front of me. My distress was obvious to all and a frenzied, embarrassed and highly apologetic waitress then presented me with a glass of cold milk which helped enormously.
Throughout my ordeal, my table companion to the left, Maureen Bielak did all she could to aid my situation including fanning my raging tongue with the cold desert menu. Eventually, the burning sensation subsided and we all continued with the meal during which there was an animated session of joke telling. Bro. Barry excelled in this jocular interlude telling stories from around the World including Russia. Didn't know they told jokes there!
This Mass held every year at Westminster is, for many of us, a highlight in the Catenian calendar. For those of you who were unable to attend there are several photographs below which will, hopefully, convey the enjoyment of the day.
The service at Sicily was much improved on last year and once seated, the first course arrived soon after. Except for mine! Two ladies had changed their minds on their starter and, obligingly, the restaurant accommodated them. This may have contributed to the fact that the chef had run out of prepared squid and had to cook some more! By the time my starter arrived, some ten minutes later, I was in the throes of severe hunger pangs and I attacked the dish voraciously. Red hot peppers and all! Almost immediately, my tongue and throat felt as though they had been invaded by lava from a Mount Vesuvius type eruption! I squeeled, water, water! and drained the two large jugs which were in front of me. My distress was obvious to all and a frenzied, embarrassed and highly apologetic waitress then presented me with a glass of cold milk which helped enormously.
Throughout my ordeal, my table companion to the left, Maureen Bielak did all she could to aid my situation including fanning my raging tongue with the cold desert menu. Eventually, the burning sensation subsided and we all continued with the meal during which there was an animated session of joke telling. Bro. Barry excelled in this jocular interlude telling stories from around the World including Russia. Didn't know they told jokes there!
This Mass held every year at Westminster is, for many of us, a highlight in the Catenian calendar. For those of you who were unable to attend there are several photographs below which will, hopefully, convey the enjoyment of the day.
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| Chilling out with a couple of drinks |
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| Who's that lady sat next to Bro Claude? |
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| More wine over here please! |
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| There's another bottle on its way! |
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| Down the Hatch! |
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| On their third bottle! |
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| Be careful that drink is very strong! |
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| Good Lord, she's passed out! |
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| Yours truly trying to cool the burning palate! |
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| Maureen Bielak in a vain attempt to cool my raging tongue! |
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| Bro. Barry telling one of his jokes |
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| Maureen taking a picture of me taking a picture of her! |
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| Bro. Vice President, William D'Souza, toasting us all! |
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