Message of Abbot Paul - Saturday 12th November 2022
Abbot Paul • November 11, 2022
Today, in the Benedictine Calendar, we have a choice between St Theodore the Studite, the 9th century Byzantine monastic reformer, and St Josaphat, the 17th century Ukrainian bishop and martyr. I fail to understand why we can’t celebrate both and why we have to choose one or the other. It makes no sense. Usually, we keep St Theodore, because he was a monk and an important reformer of monastic life in the East, added to which our own beloved Fr Theodore was named after him. However, this year we are keeping St Josaphat, as we pray constantly each day for an end to aggression and war in Ukraine and a peaceful re-entry to their homes of Ukrainian refugees, who would like to return to their motherland, while recognising that some will remain in their new homes. It is a great joy, in the tragic sadness of such an unjust and unnecessary war, to be able to welcome our new Ukrainian friends to the United Kingdom, such talented and intelligent people.
​St Josaphat’s biography is so complicated, so it’s best that you look him up on the Internet or in a library and read all about him for yourself. What we must do now is to continue praying for peace not only for Ukraine, but for all those areas of the world, where people are divided and hate one another, not wanting to recognise that we are all sons and daughters of the one God and Father of all that exists.
In today’s Gospel passage from Luke, (Lk 18: 1-6), “Jesus tells his disciples a parable about the need to pray continually and never lose heart.” We know the parable well and I have discussed it several times in these messages. It is about an unjust judge and a persistent widow, who perseveres in begging for justice. In the end, he caves in, as he fears that she will pester him to death. Jesus uses this parable to encourage his disciples to persevere in prayer and never give up, for God might delay at times, but eventually he always answers our prayers, even if not in the way we want or expect, but then God knows best. However, Jesus goes beyond the personal to talk about more serious matters, questions of justice and faith. Let us pray today that governments and individuals may all seek for justice based on faith, for this God alone can give.
Bishop Mark Jabalé OSB Bishop Mark died peacefully on 9th May. Reception of Body and Mass of Remembrance Friday 30th May, 11am, St Joseph’s Co-Cathedral, Swansea Requiem Mass & Burial Thursday 5th June, 12 noon, Belmont Abbey Bishop Mark served this community well for many years, not least Abbot 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
Bishop Mark Jabalé OSB Bishop Mark died peacefully on 9th May. His funeral will be held at Belmont at 12 noon on Thursday 5th June. Bishop Mark served this community well for many years, not least Abbot 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.
