Message of Abbot Paul - Sunday 12th March 2023
Abbot Paul • March 12, 2023
Yesterday, I was invited by an old friend to visit some of the historic churches of Lima. It’s many years since I visited the historic heart of the old city. In fact, I first visited Lima in 1977. We met at San Francisco, probably the most interesting because of its museum and catacombs, by which is meant a guided tour, (all photographs forbidden - why, as practically none are available for purchase?), of the 16th century Franciscan convent and cemetery. The choir, Chapter room, refectory, sacristy, library and cloister are quite spectacular and the highlight of the morning. We then went to the Cathedral, where amazingly we bumped into a Dominican sister I had known since she was a little girl in San Lorenzo. It was good to catch up, as we’d not seen each other for over 20 years. We then visited the Mercedarian church of Our Lady of Ransom, before having lunch in a restaurant on the Plaza San Martín. We then walked around the spotlessly clean colonial city centre, admiring the restoration work, and ended up in an outdoor café, where we chatted animatedly until Br Wilmer arrived to drive me back to Lurin. Because of the ban on photography in these churches and museums, I doubt I have much to show you.
Today, after Lauds, our postulant Br Saul Castillo enters the noviciate and receives the habit, a moving and uplifting occasion. Please keep him and our other two novices, Br Antonio and Br Miguel, in your prayers. Tomorrow I hope there will be some photographs available.
Our Gospel this Sunday is that of the Samaritan woman at Jacob’s well, one of the most famous and beautifully written episodes in John, (Jn 4: 5-42). All I can suggest is that you read and reread it during the day. Jesus will speak to our hearts just as he did to that woman and we will come to the same conclusion as she and her neighbours came to, that Jesus is our Saviour, our brother and our friend, the giver of the Holy Spirit, the Spirit of God’s love. Jesus will feel no shame in speaking with us. Let us feel no shame speaking with him.
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.