Message of Abbot Paul - Friday 2nd June 2023

You might be wondering how I spent my first day in Greece. Apart from celebrating Mass around midday, praying, eating and chatting, I did absolutely nothing at all, I rested and slept most of the day and I’m feeling so much better for it. A good rest was long overdue. The weather is milder than in the U.K. and we had rain overnight. It’s four long years since I was in Greece and it’s so good to be back. I love the simplicity of Greek food, so basic, fresh and nourishing and the relaxed Greek times for eating, lunch at 4pm and supper at 10 or even later. I’m writing this at 11.30pm and am about to enjoy a plate of fresh fruit! It reminds me of my student days, happy carefree days, when life lay before us as a great adventure. Now my friends and I are touching 80, one has died, another is only partly present for Alzheimer’s, and we’re all becoming old crocks or have already made the grade. Yet, it’s still wonderful being together as we look forward to heaven and hope for an eternity together in God’s presence. The Greeks have great confidence in the loving mercy and generosity of God. The Church calendar is a week behind us and this coming Sunday we will celebrate the great Solemnity of Pentecost. In Greece the Catholic Church celebrates the Liturgical Year together with the Orthodox.

I’ll leave it there for for the time being and attach a few photographs taken in the garden. More tomorrow.