Message of Abbot Paul - Monday 23rd May
Abbot Paul • May 22, 2022
Message from Fr Paul for Monday, 23rd May 2022
In two weeks’ time we will be celebrating the great solemnity of Pentecost, more popularly known in English as Whitsun, referring to the Holy Spirit in the form of a white dove that descended on Jesus after his baptism. In the course of this week, on Thursday, we will keep the solemnity of the Ascension, at which Jesus promised his disciples the gift of the Holy Spirit, the power that comes from on high. Today, then, we read from chapters 15 and 16 of John, (Jn 15:26 - 16:4), where Jesus also promises his disciples the gift of the Holy Spirit during his Farewell Discourse at the Last Supper. John has packed an enormous amount to teaching into that discourse.
Jesus says to them:
“When the Advocate comes,
whom I shall send to you from the Father,
the Spirit of truth who issues from the Father,
he will be my witness.
And you too will be witnesses,
because you have been with me from the outset.”
Jesus calls the Holy Spirit the Paraclete, in Greek παράκλητος, which means advocate or helper, indicating that he is the essential helper, protector, instructor, advocate and strength of Christians. The presence of the Paraclete guarantees that Christ will continue to live and work in his disciples. In fact, the Spirit will witness to Jesus in his disciples who in turn become witnesses of the truth. Jesus sends us the Spirit from the Father, for he originates from the Father and is the Spirit of truth.
Then comes a further warning, one of many, that the disciples will suffer on account of their faith in Jesus.
“I have told you all this that your faith may not be shaken.
They will expel you from the synagogues,
and indeed the hour is coming
when anyone who kills you
will think he is doing a holy duty for God.
They will do these things
because they have never known
either the Father or myself.
But I have told you all this,
so that when the time for it comes
you may remember that I told you.”
Of course, these words are also meant for us. Jesus’ loving care for us is such that he does not want our faith to be shaken by suffering and persecution. Our own experience of persecution is more likely to be in the form of criticism or ridicule, a more subtle form of attack, but one that is equally wearing and distressing. Young people often experience this at school or later at university or among their work mates. On the other hand, there is also great respect for those who are true to their faith and stick to their ideals, not following current trends and fashions.
Let us pray that the gift of the Holy Spirit will always give us strength and courage to be faithful disciples of Jesus, true to our faith and witnesses to the truth.
Bishop Mark Jabalé OSB Bishop Mark died peacefully last night. He served this community well for many years, not least Abbot of the Community 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.
