Message of Abbot Paul - Friday 25th November 2022
Abbot Paul • November 25, 2022
​It was a real pleasure to be able to visit my mother yesterday. The journey down, once we reached the Heads of the Valleys part of the A465 at Brynmawr, soon became what I imagine parts of hell to be like: torrential rain so thick you can’t see through it, fearful black skies and 10 miles of muddy roadworks as workers valiantly plod on constructing the new dual carriageway from Dowlais Top to the big Hirwain roundabout. However, once we made it to my mother’s, the rain stopped, the sky turned blue and the sun began to shine. After a spectacular lunch and a quick snooze, we went down to the beach, but the wind was so strong that even Toby had difficulty walking straight. My mother was wise to stay in the car. Later on, after a supper of homemade ravioli, we returned to Belmont in record time. Driving conditions could not have been more different. I’ve often wondered, as God is so merciful and loving, if hell must be redundant.
​Today we remember St Catherine of Alexandria, the virgin martyr who died in the year 305 and whom I learned a lot about as a boy buying Catherine wheels for Guy Fawkes! In addition, the local Anglican parish church, a beautiful, miniature cathedral, was dedicated to her. My best friend’s father was the vicar, so we often played there as well as in the cemetery and in the ruins of the old primitive medieval church dedicated to St Baglan. Old age encourages happy memories!
​In today’s short Gospel from Luke, (Lk 21: 29-33), Jesus tells his disciples one of several parables about a fig tree. “Think of the fig tree and indeed every tree. As soon as you see them bud, you know that summer is now near. So with you when you see these things happening: know that the kingdom of God is near. I tell you solemnly, before this generation has passed away all will have taken place. Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away.” Here Jesus suggests that it won’t be difficult to discern when the world is coming to an end: it will be just like looking at a tree and understanding what season of the year it is. All that we see will one day pass away, God and those who live in God and live by the word of Jesus will not pass away, for God is eternal.
Bishop Mark Jabalé OSB Bishop Mark died peacefully on 9th May. He served this community well for many years, not least Abbot of the Community and before that Headmaster of the School. He was then asked to serve the wider church as Bishop of Menevia. May he know eternal happiness with God whom he served. Please pray for the eternal happiness of Rt. Rev. Dom Mark Jabalé 10th Bishop of Menevia 10th Abbot of Belmont who died 9th May 2025 in the 92nd year of his age, the 73rd year of his monastic life and the 67th year of his priesthood. May he rest in peace
A homily by Abbot Brendan at a special Easter Mass for Pope Francis, attended by Catholics from across the Deanery.
Pope Francis RIP Pope 2013-2025 Born 1936, Died 2025 We are deeply saddened at the passing of Pope Francis. As the successor of St Peter he has been a spiritual father and shepherd to the church in our day, challenging us, and calling as to reach out to those on the peripheries. He was the first Jesuit Pope, but took the name Francis after the Poor Man of Assisi who modelled for him a closeness to the poor, a concern for those on the margins of society and a care for all of creation In his preaching Pope Francis always spoke of the joy of the Gospel and encouraged us to reflect the joy of our faith in our lives. He showed the compassion of Jesus to everyone. He worked tirelessly for the unity of the church and travelled even to non-Christian countries promoting a message of peace. He has left a great legacy. With the presence of the Apostolic Nuncio with the community over Easter we were able to express our closeness to the Holy Father in his final suffering. There will be a special Mass at Belmont this Thursday 24th April at 11am to pray for Pope Francis as he makes his final journey to the house of the Father. On the day of his funeral, the Office of the Dead will be sung, and Mass that day will be a Requiem. May the angels lead him into paradise; may the martyrs receive him at his arrival and lead him to the holy city Jerusalem. May choirs of angels receive him and with Lazarus, the poor man grant him eternal rest." (The In Paradisum, words from the Funeral Liturgy)
We were were honoured and delighted to be joined by the Apostolic Nuncio to celebrate Easter. His Excellency Archbishop Miguel Maury Buendía is the representative of the Holy See in Great Britain, and therefore of the Holy Father. His presence on Easter Sunday morning brought us more consciously in communion with Pope Francis, the successor of St Peter, as we heard the Gospel story of Peter running to the tomb. His patron saint is St Michael, so afterwards, at a festive lunch we were able to present him with some Belmont cufflinks with the monastery coat of arms - very similar to his as Archbishop. We were able to pray for him and his work in this country.
