Message of Abbot Paul - Friday 18th November 2022
Abbot Paul • November 18, 2022
You might remember that, just over a week ago, we kept the feast of the Dedication of the Lateran Basilica, the cathedral church of Rome. Well today we remember the dedication of two other Roman basilicas, that of St Peter in the Vatican and St Paul outside the Walls. Together with St Mary Major and the Lateran, the Church of Christ the Saviour, these four churches are known as Papal Basilicas. Thinking of Saints Peter and Paul, this concept of two major churches in a city, dedicated to these two apostles, was repeated all over Europe as the Christian faith spread over the continent. Look at London, where the cathedral was dedicated to St Paul and the great Benedictine abbey at Westminster to St Peter. Today, then, we pray for all church buildings, whether they are cathedrals or not, large or small, that they will remain sacred spaces where people, often with no faith, can come in contact with the living God.
Interestingly enough, our Gospel passage comes from Luke, (Lk 19: 45-48), and describes the Cleansing of the Temple in Jerusalem by Jesus.
“Jesus went into the Temple and began driving out those who were selling. ‘According to scripture,’ he said ‘my house will be a house of prayer. But you have turned it into a robbers’ den.’
He taught in the Temple every day. The chief priests and the scribes, with the support of the leading citizens, tried to do away with him, but they did not see how they could carry this out because the people as a whole hung on his words.”
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.