Message of Abbot Paul - Monday 6th November 2023
Abbot Paul • November 5, 2023
Yesterday turned out to be a very busy day and yet one that was rewarding in so many ways. The Remembrance Service for the Polish servicemen buried at Leominster Cemetery was a most moving occasion and I was surprised to see what a grand occasion it was. The entire Town Council led by the Mayor was present, together with the Rector of Leominster and his assistant, and a large number of immaculately dressed air cadets. Prayers were said in Polish and English, a minute’s silence was observed and a bugler played the Last Post, a fitting tribute. May they rest in peace. Amen.
Our short Gospel passage from Luke, (Lk 14: 12-14), is a continuation of the conversation that went on in the house of a leading Pharisee one day when Jesus was invited there for a meal. This is what Jesus has to say to his host, “When you give a lunch or a dinner, do not ask your friends, brothers, relations or rich neighbours, for fear they repay your courtesy by inviting you in return. No; when you have a party, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind; that they cannot pay you back means that you are fortunate, because repayment will be made to you when the virtuous rise again.” The teaching of Jesus is always clear and in line with the Old Testament Prophets. He teaches that our motives should be pure and unprejudiced and that our preference should always be for the poor, those who cannot repay us other than by their heartfelt gratitude and prayers. Jesus always invites us to question our attitudes and behaviour towards those less well off than ourselves and all those in need. How many friends do I have outside my social class, for example, and how often have I invited a homeless person into my own home and given them hospitality? How generous am I to those in need? Do I share the best I have with them or simply give them the leftovers? How far are we and other rich nations willing to deprive ourselves, that others might have the very minimum they need just to survive? What sacrifices are we willing to make to save the planet, that our grandchildren and great grandchildren might have life in the decades and centuries to come? Our personal choices and those of our countries will decide the outcome of our planet’s destiny.
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.