Message of Abbot Paul - Saturday - 27th April 2024
Abbot Paul • April 27, 2024
I do apologise for the lack of a message today. I was travelling all day yesterday, sleeping for much of the time. The journey back from Peru was not without its complications. We left Lima two and a half hours behind schedule due to an incident on board that involved police, security and airport staff. This resulted in a very late arrival in Paris and a four minute mile dash through that vast airport to catch my connection. Miraculously, I made it and am still breathing, but my luggage didn’t. No doubt it will arrive by taxi on Monday. Normal service, I hope, will be restored tomorrow. This comes with my best wishes and prayers for a wonderful day.
Fr Paul
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
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.