Message of Abbot Paul - Friday 15th December 2023
Abbot Paul • December 14, 2023
As in yesterday’s Gospel, today as well Jesus talks with the crowds that follow him of John the Baptist and compares himself with John, asking them what are they looking for. Are they truly searching for the Messiah or are they simply after some form of entertainment? John was an ascetic, refraining from food and drink, yet this didn’t satisfy them. They said he was possessed, mad. Now they follow Jesus, whom they describe, and he quotes them in his own words, “a glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners.” They are like spoilt children, nothing satisfies them. “Yet wisdom has proved herself right by her actions.”
We could ask people today, the world over, who or what are they celebrating with their Christmas lights and decorations? What does any of it really mean? It’s certainly a great commercial festival here in Peru as elsewhere and the opportunity for charitable works. Let’s pray that in the midst of it all, many will discover Jesus, the Saviour who came to redeem the world, sharing God’s love and forgiveness with all who turn to him.
Yesterday I had a relatively quiet day, a day of prayer and recollection. In the evening the dentist called to say that my new crown was ready and that she was ready to install it. What an amazing job she’s done and so quickly and efficiently. Today I’ll be doing a little tourism in Lima with an old friend. He’s threatening to make me walk up the hill of San Cristobal, from where you have the most spectacular views of Lima. I hope it’s a clear day.
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.
We are sad to announce that Fr Stephen died on Monday 21st October 2055. He was 94. He died peacefully in hospital, having recently fractured his shoulder. He was a beloved member of the monastic community, who had settled back at Belmont after many years on Belmont parishes, including in Abergavenny, Swansea, Hereford and Weobley. He will be much missed. His Requiem Mass will be at Belmont on Wednesday, 5th November at 11.30am followed by burial in the monastic cemetery. The Reception of his Body into the Abbey Church will take place on Tuesday, 4th November, at 5.45pm.
With honoured guests we were delighted to open our doors again of our new guesthouse and conference centre: The Chapterhouse.
"A hymn to the human body." Abbot Brendan's Homily at the annual Mass celebrated at Rotherwas Chapel in Hereford that dates from the 1580s on the feast of the Assumption.
From Francis to Leo: A special event with Christopher Lamb of CNN in conversation with Austin Ivereigh who commentated for the BBC on the transition from Pope Francis to Pope Leo.
On 12th June an Ecumenical Service was held at Hereford Cathedral to celebrate the 1700th anniversary of the Council of Nicea.
