Message of Abbot Paul - Friday 20th January 2023
Abbot Paul • January 19, 2023
Yesterday, we were able to conclude the canonical visitation at Prinknash and I returned to Belmont, where there was a lot to do just to catch up with the few days I was away. This time Toby remained at Belmont and was admirably looked after by Fr Alex. As I was unable to follow the funeral in Athens on Monday of the late King Constantine, a man I greatly admired ever since I was a student at the University of Thessaloniki in 1967 and 1968, I have started watching it on YouTube, where the entire service at Athens cathedral can be seen. It’s a pity that a translation of the liturgical texts is not provided, as that would be a great help for those who do not understand Greek. It’s such an uplifting service in the Byzantine Rite, full of praise for the Holy Trinity and of thanksgiving for the gift life through the resurrection of Jesus.
Today’s Gospel passage from Mark, (Mk 3: 13-19), recounts the appointment of the twelve to be companions of Jesus. That’s the word Mark uses, neither apostles nor disciples, but companions, those who share everything with Jesus, symbolised by the food they eat and the bread they break. This is how Mark tells his story. “Jesus went up into the hills and summoned those he wanted. So they came to him and he appointed twelve; they were to be his companions and to be sent out to preach, with power to cast out devils. And so he appointed the Twelve: Simon to whom he gave the name Peter, James the son of Zebedee and John the brother of James, to whom he gave the name Boanerges or ‘Sons of Thunder’; then Andrew, Philip, Bartholomew, Matthew, Thomas, James the son of Alphaeus, Thaddaeus, Simon the Zealot and Judas Iscariot, the man who was to betray him.” I love the understated way in which Mark recounts the events. May we, like the twelve, although Judas betrayed him, be faithful companions of Jesus and may he bless us to do his work in the world today.
Some Pictures from Prinknash Abbey
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.
