Message of Abbot Paul - Friday 3rd November 2023
Abbot Paul • November 2, 2023
Today the Church keeps the feast of St Martin de Porres, who died on this day in Lima, Peru, in the year 1639, aged 59. He was canonised by Pope St John XXIII on 6th May 1962. The most loved of all Peruvian saints, it’s well worth reading a good biography of his life and his influence of many aspects of the Church’s life. His feast day brings back so many happy memories of my years in Peru, for which I am so grateful and which have deeply marked my soul. Please pray for our brothers in Peru and for the people of Peru today.
Our Gospel passage today comes from Luke, (Lk 14:1-6), and tells us of a Sabbath, when Jesus was invited to a meal at the house of one of the leading Pharisees and the discussion as Jesus healed a sick man. This is how Luke recounts the event: “Now on a sabbath day Jesus had gone for a meal to the house of one of the leading Pharisees; and they watched him closely. There in front of him was a man with dropsy, and Jesus addressed the lawyers and Pharisees. ‘Is it against the law’ he asked ‘to cure a man on the sabbath, or not?’ But they remained silent, so he took the man and cured him and sent him away. Then he said to them, ‘Which of you here, if his son falls into a well, or his ox, will not pull him out on a sabbath day without hesitation?’ And to this they could find no answer.”
The religious authorities were already keeping a close watch on Jesus. For details on what dropsy might be, do look up the internet or a Bible Commentary. Suffice it to say, it was a serious condition. What is interesting here is that Jesus consults the lawyers and Pharisees before healing the man. “Is it against the law to heal someone on the Sabbath or not?” Why do they remain silent? Are they afraid that Jesus might get the better of them in any discussion on the matter? Had they heard him speak before on the matter and know in their hearts that he was right? Seeing their cowardly reaction, Jesus heals the man and sends him away. Then he challenges them in such a way that leaves them speechless: they have no reply. They know in their heart of hearts that what Jesus is doing is God’s will, that the Law only exists to extend God’s mercy and loving kindness towards his people who look to him for healing and forgiveness, for the gift of life.
Bishop Mark Jabalé OSB Bishop Mark died peacefully last night. 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.
