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.
The Belmont community visit Dowlais, and remember the Benedictine Mission to South Wales as the country remembers the Aberfan disaster.
We welcomed the Knights and Dames from the Midlands and South Wales and thanked God for their mission and service.
A double celebration on the feast of St Michael and All Angels
A School of Love by the Wye: Abbot Brendan on the Cistercians on the Feast of the Holy Cross.
The Blessing of new Icons for the Churches in Stratford-upon-Avon, with inspiring talks by the Abbot Primate and Dr Rowan Williams.
“O Lord, I love the house where you live, the place where your glory abides.”
Nothing that is precious and dear to God is simply discarded: homily by Abbot Brendan.
