Message of Abbot Paul - Monday 11th July
Abbot Paul • July 11, 2022
Message from Fr Paul for Monday, 11th July 2022
Today we keep the feast of St Benedict, remembering that he was the first saint to be proclaimed Patron of Europe by Pope St Paul VI in 1964. Although I was only a teenager at the time, I remember it well, as it evoked the vital role of Benedictines and Cistercians in the building of a Christian Europe. It’s a feast of hope that not only gives thanks for the past, but looks ahead to what we monks and nuns can still contribute to the re-evangelisation of our Old Continent and the rest of the world. Today, I ask you to pray for us, that we might be courageous and enthusiastic in living the Rule of St Benedict and following the inspiration of the Holy Spirit.
Our brief Gospel reading for the feast comes from Matthew, (Mt 19: 27-29).
“Peter spoke to Jesus. ‘What about us?’ he said. ‘We have left everything and followed you. What are we to have, then?’ Jesus said to him, ‘I tell you solemnly, when all is made new and the Son of Man sits on his throne of glory, you will yourselves sit on twelve thrones to judge the twelve tribes of Israel. And everyone who has left houses, brothers, sisters, father, mother, children or land for the sake of my name will be repaid a hundred times over, and also inherit eternal life.’”
I must confess, I find this a rather brazen request on the part of Peter, knowing, of course, that he is also speaking for the others. “What do we get out of this? All the sacrifices we are making – what will be our reward?” Was it not enough simply to have the privilege of following Jesus? Surely, to be in the presence and company of Jesus was more than enough? Even so, Jesus understands their frail humanity and the innocence in their request. They will sit on twelve thrones to judge the twelve tribes of Israel. I wouldn’t fancy that job, even though it would be a great honour. The important thing is that they will work with God and for God in the kingdom of heaven. Most important of all, they will be granted eternal life. St Benedict reminds us in the Rule that from the day we become monks, nothing is ours, not even our bodies, all has been given to God. We can do that because he has given himself entirely to us. St Benedict, pray for us all, especially our oblates, parishioners and friends.
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.
