Message of Abbot Paul - Monday 6th March 2023
Abbot Paul • March 6, 2023
Yesterday was a busy day here in Peru and, as I begin to write this message, it’s not over yet. At the Conventual Mass, the organist and music teacher, who plays for the monks on Sundays, became a novice oblate of the monastery. Just as at Belmont and all other Benedictine monasteries, there is an active group of oblates under the pastoral care of Br Mario. It was good to meet with them afterwards. In Hereford, one of our parishioners, Clare Wichbold, was collated and installed as a lay canon of the chapter of Hereford Cathedral, a great privilege for Clare and an honour for Belmont and first Catholic since the Reformation. In Lurin we congratulate Br Manuel and in Hereford, Clare Canon Wichbold. Today the monks are having their monthly retreat day. I have been asked to give the conference, but I look forward to meeting with the external confessor, who will be hearing our confessions.
Today’s Gospel passage comes once more from Matthew’s Sermon on the Mount, (Mt 6: 36-38), in which Jesus invites his disciples, and that means you and me, to “be compassionate as your Father is compassionate.” We are not to judge or condemn others, but always pardon and treat them generously. We should be so generous as to give all we can to those who need our gifts. In fact, the more we give, the more we will receive. We should never forget that all we have and all we are has been given us by God.
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.