Each year, on the Bank Holiday Monday at the end of August, the grounds of Buckden Towers become a place of joyful reunion as the wider Claretian family gathers from across the country.
This long-standing tradition brings together people connected with the Claretian Missionaries—parishioners, friends, and communities—for a day that is as much about belonging and shared mission as it is about relaxation and celebration.
The day typically begins around midday, with a warm welcome extended to all who arrive. Claretian Missionaries host a barbecue in the grounds, with food provided, creating an easy and generous hospitality that invites people simply to come and enjoy the day together.
As the afternoon unfolds, the focus gently turns towards worship. A concelebrated outdoor Mass, often held in the beautiful Tudor garden, gathers everyone in a shared moment of prayer and thanksgiving—an expression of unity across the different communities linked to the Claretians.
Afterwards, the day continues in a relaxed and sociable way, with refreshments and afternoon tea, and plenty of time to reconnect:
- catching up with familiar faces
- meeting others from across the Claretian network
- enjoying the peaceful, historic surroundings
Set within the remarkable setting of Buckden Towers—a former bishop’s palace now serving as a retreat and conference centre—the event carries a distinctive atmosphere: open, welcoming, and rooted in both heritage and community life.
Above all, the Claretian Family Day is not just an event but an experience of coming home—a moment in the year when the wider Claretian family gathers, celebrates, and renews the bonds that connect them.