Johanna Kiln firing: a time for celebration and remembrance
On Friday, Oct. 11, the Johanna Kiln celebrated its 17th firing with a blessing over the kiln by Abbot Douglas Mullin, a traditional Japanese ritual
Top photo of Brother Aelred Senna giving a speech. Middle left photo of founder and director of Saint John’s Pottery Richard Bresnahan’76 purifying the kiln with salt. Middle right phto of Mary Lee Neu, one of three people for the kilm firing was dedicated to this year. Bottom left photo of the firing of the kiln. Bottom middle photo of individuals holding a prayer over the kiln led by Abbot Douglas Mullin. Bottom right photo of the kiln named in honor of Sister Joahanna Becker O.S.B
On Friday, Oct. 11, the Johanna Kiln celebrated its 17th firing with a blessing over the kiln by Abbot Douglas Mullin, a traditional Japanese ritual for purifying the kiln with rice, salt and sake and a choir performance. The kiln, fired every two years, can hold up to 12,000 pieces of pottery, and is fired for 10 days followed by a two-week cooling period before opened. This year’s kiln firing was dedicated to three individuals who have passed since the last firing: Bill Smith, Mary Lee Neu and Raghavan Iyer.