Message of Abbot Paul - Monday 5th June 2023
Abbot Paul • June 4, 2023
It was good to celebrate Pentecost again yesterday and to do so both in Catholic and Orthodox churches in Thessaloniki. It made me realise how shortsighted it was to abolish the Octave of Pentecost, which really brought home the meaning and importance of the Holy Spirit in our lives, culminating then in the Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity.
Today we celebrate the feast of St Boniface, the 8th century English Benedictine monk, who led the Anglo-Saxon mission to German speaking lands, thus becoming the Apostle to Germany. He was martyred on this day in the year 754 at the age of 79. His body is venerated in the cathedral at Fulda.
Our Gospel passage today comes from Mark, (Mk 12: 1-12), in which Jesus tells the Parable of the Vineyard to the chief priests, scribes and Pharisees, warning them that the vineyard that is Israel will pass to other leaders if they do not come to believe that the Messiah has come in himself, that they are no more than tenants and not landowners. Jesus ends by quoting Psalm 117 (118), “It was the stone rejected by the builders that became the keystone. This was the Lord’s doing and it is wonderful to see.” Let us pray today for the Church in Germany and throughout the world and that the Lord will raise up apostles like St Boniface to preach the Gospel with conviction and joy.
Belmont Abbey Organ is the second largest organ in the County of Herefordshire. It has 3 manuals (keyboards) and 54 stops and is second only to the organ of Hereford Cathedral (4 Manuals and 67 stops) - Belmont has the largest organ in our Catholic Diocese.
Charlotte Carver writes about her experience of writing attending one of Fr Alex's Icon workshops.
Many friends came together to celebrate with Fr James his 30th anniversary of ordination to the priesthood - his Silver Jubilee had fallen during covid.
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