Visit of Archbishop Mark and Blessing of the Grotto
October 20, 2022

On the eve of our patronal feast of St Michael and All Angels, our new Archbishop, Mark O’Toole stayed with us overnight at Belmont and joined us for Vespers.
After Vespers the Community gathered around the newly redecorated grotto of Our Lady of Lourdes in the monastery gardens. This was the work of Br Alvidas, assisted by his fellow postulant Br Craig. The grotto had been repainted with a few finishing touches like the stars on the ceiling and flowers painted at the side. Archbishop Mark blessed the grotto.
Afterwards we welcomed the Archbishop to Belmont with a glass of bubbly, and the Prior, Fr Michael spoke for us all in assuring him of our prayers as he leads not one diocese but two, the Archdiocese of Cardiff and the Diocese of Menevia.
Below are some pictures of the occasion.



Good Shepherd, Good Priest “I will seek the lost and bring back the strayed; I will bind up the injured, and I will strengthen the weak.” Those words, spoken by the Lord God through the prophet Ezekiel, describe the heart of God, the Good Shepherd — but they also describe the life and ministry of a good monk and priest. They could well be written of Fr Stephen’s years of service as a pastor in Abergavenny, Swansea, Hereford, and Weobley. In each of those places, he shared in the Shepherd’s work: seeking out the lost, binding up the wounded, strengthening the weary, and leading God’s people with quiet faithfulness. And like Jesus, the Good Shepherd, who came close to his people, Fr Stephen did not serve from a distance. He knew his people; he was among them. He shared their sorrows and their joys, their hopes and their disappointments. He bore their burdens with prayer and patience he brought the joy of the Gospel and the grace of the Sacraments. His mission amongst us is complete. He has served God’s good purpose. So today we ask Christ the Good Shepherd to take Stephen on his sacred shoulders and carry him home to the house of the Father. Bind up his wounds, give him eternal rest and lead him at last to the green pastures and still waters of eternal life.

















