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.
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.
