Message of Abbot Paul - Monday 14th November 2022
Abbot Paul • November 14, 2022
​Remembrance Sunday never fails to move us as each year at this time we remember our war dead and, with them, all those who have died in war to this day, flighting for justice and freedom. May we never cease to appreciate and give thanks for the many sacrifices that have been made by countless individuals so that we might enjoy the many freedoms we now possess.
​Today at Belmont we keep the feast of St Dyfrig, the 6th century monk, abbot and bishop, who was born in the year 465, just down the road at Madley. From a very early age he wanted to live the monastic life. He founded large monasteries at Hentland and Moccas and taught Saints Samson and Teilo among many other saints. He was a close friend of Saints Illtud and David and is said to have been Bishop of several sees, Ergynt (based at Weston under Penyard), Caerleon and Llandaff. He would appear to have been the first bishop in Wales. He attended the Synod of Llanddewi Brefi. Although he died on Bardsey Island in the year 550, his body was transferred to Llandaff, where he is one of the saints to which the cathedral is dedicated. The Latin for his name is Dubricius and the Norman, Devereux.
​Our Gospel today comes from Luke, (Lk 18: 35-43), the healing of a blind man by Jesus. It’s very moving and beautifully told, as is typical of Luke. “As Jesus drew near to Jericho there was a blind man sitting at the side of the road begging. When he heard the crowd going past, he asked what it was all about, and they told him that Jesus the Nazarene was passing by. So he called out, ‘Jesus, Son of David, have pity on me.’ The people in front scolded him and told him to keep quiet, but he shouted all the louder, ‘Son of David, have pity on me.’ Jesus stopped and ordered them to bring the man to him, and when he came up, asked him, ‘What do you want me to do for you?’ ‘Sir,’ he replied ‘let me see again.’ Jesus said to him, ‘Receive your sight. Your faith has saved you.’ And instantly his sight returned and he followed him praising God, and all the people who saw it gave praise to God for what had happened.” What most attracts our attention is the fearless insistence of the blind man. The more the crowd tell him to keep quiet, the louder he shouts, “Son of David, have pity on me.” Then, when Jesus asks what he wants, he simply replies, “Sir, let me see again.” He only asks for what is absolutely necessary, his sight, and asks for nothing else. Jesus heals him, saying, “Receive your sight. Your faith has saved you.” So, not only does he get his sight back, but his faith has saved him and Jesus assures him of salvation. We pray that all who are healed by Jesus today, may also receive the gift of salvation. Amen.
Bishop Mark Jabalé OSB Bishop Mark died peacefully on 9th May. Reception of Body and Mass of Remembrance Friday 30th May, 11am, St Joseph’s Co-Cathedral, Swansea Requiem Mass & Burial Thursday 5th June, 12 noon, Belmont Abbey Bishop Mark served this community well for many years, not least Abbot 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
Bishop Mark Jabalé OSB Bishop Mark died peacefully on 9th May. His funeral will be held at Belmont at 12 noon on Thursday 5th June. Bishop Mark served this community well for many years, not least Abbot 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.
