The past year saw some changes amongst the Community. For those interested here is a round-up of the moves and changes, and other events that have taken place in the last year.

With the approval of Archbishop Peter, Fr Michael was appointed Parish Priest of St Francis Xavier, Hereford. In turn Fr Stephen moved to Weobley and Kington and Fr Peter Brady was appointed Hospital Chaplain in Hereford. Fr Luke moved back to the Abbey, although helped in the parish of San Lorenzo, Peru, in order to give Fr Joseph a break from April to June. He celebrated his Golden Jubilee of Ordination on 13th July. Fr Dyfrig celebrated his Silver Jubilee on 3rd August and continues to help out on the parish of Banbury in the Archdiocese of Birmingham.

Recent months saw some more happy celebrations for the Belmont Community. Br Cadfan was ordained to the Sacred Priesthood on Thursday 26th September. Archbishop Peter Smith officiated, and the Mass was beautifully organized by Br Peter. Many friends, oblates and parishioners gathered to wish him many joyful years of service to the community as both a monk and priest.

Many also gathered for the Golden Jubilee of Clothing of Fr Illtud, Bishop Mark and Fr Laurence. Sadly Fr Laurence was not able to be present because of surgery, from which he is making a good recovery.

The Community Retreat in February was led by Abbot Richard Yeo of Downside, who is also Abbot President of the English Benedictine Congregation. He helped us reflect particularly on our monastic values, and from the benefit of his work in the Congregation for Religious in Rome brought us to a deeper understanding of the role of the Monastic Life in the Church.

During the year Abbot Paul, Fr Matthew, who is Prior and Parish Priest and Br Peter have looked closely at moving forward with the necessary repair and restoration work that needs to be done on the Church and Monastic buildings. With this they are helped by a group of lay people.

Abbot Alan was appointed Vicar for Religious by Archbishop Peter Smith, and has been visiting some of religious houses in the Archdiocese, as well as organizing meetings for Religious. He continues to be in demand for his retreat and musical work.

Fr Christopher retired from Swynnerton at the end of November. He was due to help out in the North Wales parish of Dolgellau and Bala, however, was suddenly admitted to hospital. He is now one the mend and resting, while Fr Wulstan is filling in at Dolgellau.

Fr Nicholas has had a busy year overseeing the work of Monksoft, the main focus of which is the hospitality of Hedley Lodge. Fr Brendan has took over care of the Bursar's Office from Fr Nicholas for several months. His other work for 2002 took him to Rome from March to April to organize the Monastic Formator's Programme run for the Benedictines and Cistercians throughout the world.

Fr James has returned to Belmont after serving for 2 years on the Whitehaven parish of St Begh's. He took over from Brother Bernard in December as Oblate Master. Br Bernard will be missed by the Oblates for the ten years of spiritual guidance he has given. He continues as Infirmarian, and currently takes particular care of Fr Dominic and Fr Aelred.

Fr Cadfan is meanwhile helping out in Whitehaven for a few months, and getting some pastoral experience following his ordination to the priesthood last September.

Fr Cenydd returned after a year away helping out at Dolgellau and Bala. Fr Cenydd is now Vocations Director and recently gave a retreat to Catholic Students from the University of Cardiff. He is also currently looking after the Bursar's Office.

Fr Richard continues to work in Hedley Lodge, and has recently taken permanent care of our two Mass Centres in the Parish, Ewyas Harold and Broad Oak. Br Raphael does many of the smaller jobs around the house and takes care of the Library.

Last but not least, two new additions to the Community were Badger and Bertie, Abbot Paul's two faithful dogs who joined us in the spring.