Message of Abbot Paul - Monday 19th September 2022
Abbot Paul • September 19, 2022
Message from Fr Paul for Monday, 19th September 2022
It’s a sad day for us all as we lay our Beloved Queen to rest today. We are sad for ourselves and for our world at this time of uncertainty and confusion, yet it’s a sadness that through faith is transformed into thanksgiving for the past, hope for the present and joy for the future, for we cannot help but believe that Queen Elizabeth is with God, gracing the courts of heaven. From heaven may she continue to guide and protect us and urge us on to live according to God’s will as she did as a faithful follower and disciple of Jesus. Yesterday, after a very busy morning and short siesta, I was grateful to have some quiet time to myself and, using my iPad, tune into the BBC to join the crowds filing past Her Majesty lying in state. I was moved by their reverence and respect and was able to join them for an hour or so in prayer and, to be honest, veneration of a saint of our age. Today, together with the whole world, we we be present in spirit at her funeral and burial. May she rest in peace. Amen.
Abbot Brendan Reflects on Pope Leo's words to the Benedictines worldwide
July and August 2026: 3 workshops let by Fr Alex Echeandia, Prior of the Monastery of Lurin
9th to 11th January 2026 A weekend for young men to experience the monastic life and join in the prayer and life of the community.
28th November at 6.45pm You are welcome to join an informal service for healing prayer on the last Friday of November. No need to book.
Sat 13th December, 10.00am-12.30am We are delighted that the acclaimed Cistercian writer, Fr Michael Casey will be with us in December.
Monday 1st to Thursday 4th December 2025. Our first Advent retreat in our newly opened guesthouse
Good Shepherd, Good Priest “I will seek the lost and bring back the strayed; I will bind up the injured, and I will strengthen the weak.” Those words, spoken by the Lord God through the prophet Ezekiel, describe the heart of God, the Good Shepherd — but they also describe the life and ministry of a good monk and priest. They could well be written of Fr Stephen’s years of service as a pastor in Abergavenny, Swansea, Hereford, and Weobley. In each of those places, he shared in the Shepherd’s work: seeking out the lost, binding up the wounded, strengthening the weary, and leading God’s people with quiet faithfulness. And like Jesus, the Good Shepherd, who came close to his people, Fr Stephen did not serve from a distance. He knew his people; he was among them. He shared their sorrows and their joys, their hopes and their disappointments. He bore their burdens with prayer and patience he brought the joy of the Gospel and the grace of the Sacraments. His mission amongst us is complete. He has served God’s good purpose. So today we ask Christ the Good Shepherd to take Stephen on his sacred shoulders and carry him home to the house of the Father. Bind up his wounds, give him eternal rest and lead him at last to the green pastures and still waters of eternal life.
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.