Message of Abbot Paul - Monday 22nd May 2023
Abbot Paul • May 21, 2023
I apologise that my message yesterday was rather turgid and academic. Today I’ll try to make it short and light-hearted, not that I’m feeling that way! The real joy on Saturday afternoon was to be greeted by a lively group of house martins, that have returned to Belmont for the summer nesting season. Not enough to be a flock, nevertheless their screams of exhilaration at returning to Belmont were loud and clear and a joy to experience. I hope they have a successful stay with us and don’t decide to move on elsewhere to build their nests and rear their young.
Our Gospel passage comes again from John, (Jn 16: 29-33), and sees the disciples thanking Jesus for no longer speaking in metaphors, but plainly and intelligibly to their hearing. They even tell him, “Now we see that you know everything, and do not have to wait for questions to be put into words; because of this we believe that you came from God.” They recognise the omniscience of God in Jesus his Son. Jesus rejoices that at last they believe, but warns them that soon they will scatter and abandon him when he is arrested and condemned to death.
“You will be scattered, each going his own way and leaving me alone.” Yet, he will not be alone. “I am not alone, because the Father is with me.” The Father is always with Jesus as Jesus is always with the Father. This is also true of ourselves. We are never alone, for God is with us. Jesus came to make this possible and to assure us of God’s presence in our lives. This is why Jesus goes on to say. “I have told you all this so that you may find peace in me. In the world you will have trouble, but be brave: I have conquered the world.” It is in Jesus that we find our peace, for he reconciles us with the Father and, through his death and resurrection, confirms God’s presence within us, Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
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.