At the end of June we were able to host the Belmont Parish Fete. It was such a joy to have it again after covid – its theme was “happy to be together again.”
Louise Wright and her fantastic team of volunteers organized a fantastic event.
Community News
Dom Brendan Thomas • October 20, 2022
It has been a while since we have reported some community news, but it has been quite a full summer. Here are a few of the things that have happened over the summer.
June
In June Fr Brendan returned from Rome and Assisi where he had been directing the Monastic Formators’ Programme first in Rome and Assisi. There were 26 participants, men and women from 17 different countries. At one point half the group got covid – it was always a risk – but things were soon back on track. One of the highlights was the presence of Fr Michael Casey OCSO from Australia. He is perhaps the best monastic writer and teacher today, and the group was delighted to be present when he was given an honourary doctorate at Sant’ Anselmo during this stay with us.
July
On 11th July, the feast of St Benedict Patron of Europe, the English Benedictine Congregation began its General Chapter at Buckfast, which included for the first time nuns from Ireland, Sweden and Australia. Abbot Paul and Fr Richard represented the Community, while Fr Brendan, Fr Jonathan and Fr Luke were the secretaries and officials. The Chapter lasted for 10 days and was a very positive experience even as many serious issues were addressed. Abbot Christopher Jamison we re-elected as Abbot President.
At the end of July the Bookshop was moved to a new location under the direction of Fr James. We were delighted to have with us the children’s author Madeleine Carroll and her family.
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August
Abbot Paul announced that Fr Michael would be returning from St Francis Xavier’s Church in Hereford, where he had served as a much-loved parish priest for over 20 year. He would become Prior and Novice Master. Fr Brendan would be going to St Francis Xavier’s in his place, as Parish Priest beginning in September.
August and September are regularly months of local pilgrimage. First to Welsh Newton, to the grave of St John Kemble, and then to Usk to the grave of St David Lewis (his cousin) – both counted amongst the 40 Martyrs of England and Wales. Separately, Fr Brendan was interviewed for Shalom TV regarding St John Kemble. They are doing a lovely series of films on the 40 martyrs of England and Wales, the programme on St John Kemble is forthcoming. https://www.shalomworld.org/show/40-martyrs-of-england-&-wales
Also in this period the Belmont community was represented at the Ecumenical Vespers at Tintern Abbey and then a group went to Cardiff Cathedral to visit the relics of St Bernadette.
September
Things are finally returning to normal in the Abbey Church, with the re-opening of the glass porch and the removal of all the remaining covid restrictions that are allowed. The north porch and west door would remain closed in order to try and save on heating costs as the weather turns colder.
Abbot Paul paid a visit to our brothers in Peru at the monastery of Lurin. He found them to be in good heart, despite the problems that the country is facing. He was impressed by the hard work the community did, and the genuine fraternity amongst them. One reason for his visit was the Canonical Visitation which is conducted every four years. For this he was accompanied by Abbot Benito of Las Condes Abbey, Santiago, Chile. Fr Alex Echeandía was reappointed as prior.
Abbot Brendan Reflects on Pope Leo's words to the Benedictines worldwide
July and August 2026: 3 workshops let by Fr Alex Echeandia, Prior of the Monastery of Lurin
9th to 11th January 2026 A weekend for young men to experience the monastic life and join in the prayer and life of the community.
28th November at 6.45pm You are welcome to join an informal service for healing prayer on the last Friday of November. No need to book.
Sat 13th December, 10.00am-12.30am We are delighted that the acclaimed Cistercian writer, Fr Michael Casey will be with us in December.
Monday 1st to Thursday 4th December 2025. Our first Advent retreat in our newly opened guesthouse
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.
Br Meinrad and Br Gildas attend a special service with the Benedictine community of St Paul's Outside the Walls with King Charles and Queen Camilla.
Honesty and Love Before God: Pharisee and Tax Collector; Pope and King - a homily by Abbot Brendan for the 30th Sunday of the Year.