Message of Abbot Paul - All Souls - 2nd November 2023
Abbot Paul • November 1, 2023
Yesterday was a day of great joy and thanksgiving for the Belmont Community as we celebrated the Frist Profession of our two novices, Br Meinrad Earley and Br Gildas Dudonis. Br Meinrad is from Liverpool, while Br Gildas is from Lithuania. As I was the celebrant of the Mass, I was unable to take a photograph for the website, so I don’t have one to share with you. I ask you to join with me in praying for their perseverance in the monastic life, that in three years’ time they will take their Solemn Vows and commit themselves for life as monks of Belmont Abbey.
Today we celebrate All Souls Day, praying especially for the dead. Indeed, the month of November is set apart for us to pray for the faithful departed and all the dead who need our prayers. One of the Gospel choices for today comes from Matthew (Mt 11: 25-30) and ends with the words, “Come to me, all you who labour and are overburdened, and I will give you rest. Shoulder my yoke and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. Yes, my yoke is easy and my burden light.” What could be sweeter to our ears than the voice of Jesus who invites us to come to him? Who doesn’t work hard, who isn’t overburdened at the present moment? I think of all those worried for their own lives and the lives of their loved ones, worried for the future and for their children, especially in Ukraine, Sudan and Yemen, Gaza, Palestine and Israel. In the midst of war and turmoil, there is Jesus who gives us rest, Jesus who is our peace. He asks us to love one another as he has loved us. He offers to help us carry our burdens, for his yoke is easy and his burden light. As we pray this month for our beloved dead, let us also pray for ourselves, who were born to die, not for ever but to this world only. After all, Jesus is the Resurrection and the Life. Let us accept his invitation each day and allow him to walk with us as our friend and companion on the road that leads to eternal life. Amen.
Abbot Brendan Reflects on Pope Leo's words to the Benedictines worldwide
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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.