Message of Abbot Paul - Friday 9th June 2023
Abbot Paul • June 8, 2023
I was hoping to be on a plane, winging my way to Birmingham and thence to Belmont last night, but it was not to be. On the way to the airport, just 10 minutes away, I received text messages from Lufthansa to say that both flights, Thessaloniki to Frankfurt and Frankfurt to Birmingham, had been cancelled. Talk about the last moment! Nothing for it, you accept the inevitable with calm and equanimity. My friends dropped me off at the terminal and went off for a coffee. Just as I got to the desk I received further messages to say that is been rebooked with Aegean and Swiss via Zurich early this morning. Not only that, but the young Greek girl at the desk said she could print out my boarding passes. She even offered me a hotel, but I thought it would be more relaxing to come home with my friends. Within a few minutes, and drinking Greek coffee, we were on our way back. So it will be an early rise in the morning and, trusting in God, I hope to get to Birmingham by 1.30pm. However, there’s a wedding practice at 3pm, an American couple, and I must collect Toby before 5pm. At least, it’s not Saturday. I’ll leave it there for tonight. It’s been an unexpected afternoon and evening. I wonder why both those flights were cancelled? I’ve never experienced that before.
Just a reminder that a week on Saturday, 17th June, we hold our Belmont Parish Fete, beginning at 2pm. All are invited. Make sure to invite your friends and neighbours.
On the Commemoration of All Souls, Abbot Brendan reflects on the experience of death within a monastic community, the meaning of Purgatory, and St Benedict’s invitation never to lose hope in the mercy of God.
The Belmont community visit Dowlais, and remember the Benedictine Mission to South Wales as the country remembers the Aberfan disaster.
We welcomed the Knights and Dames from the Midlands and South Wales and thanked God for their mission and service.
A double celebration on the feast of St Michael and All Angels
A School of Love by the Wye: Abbot Brendan on the Cistercians on the Feast of the Holy Cross.
The Blessing of new Icons for the Churches in Stratford-upon-Avon, with inspiring talks by the Abbot Primate and Dr Rowan Williams.
“O Lord, I love the house where you live, the place where your glory abides.”
