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.
Bishop Mark Jabalé OSB Bishop Mark died peacefully on 9th May. 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.
