Message of Abbot Paul - Sunday 13th November 2022
Abbot Paul • November 13, 2022
As we come to the end of the liturgical year, we have begun reading apocalyptic texts from the Bible, texts that speak of the end of this age, final judgement and the recapitulation of all things in Christ. Many of these passages can be quite frightening to read and I must confess that I have never been drawn to them. We all accept that life, as we know it in this world, must come to an end and that the Lord will weigh up the good and the bad we did. My own hope is that I can get at least a toe nail into Purgatory. That will be enough to get on the road that leads to ultimate salvation and eternal life. God is shown to be merciful and just for that is how Jesus reveals him to us. We are taught of the Four Last Things in Christian Eschatology: Death, Judgement, Heaven and Hell, and we would do well from time to time to meditate of these ultimate realities. I find it helpful during such meditation to ask myself what do I truly want. What is my dream for eternity, for God who knows my inmost thoughts knows exactly what I hope and long for, the deepest yearnings of my soul.
​In today’s Gospel passage from Luke, (Lk 25: 5-19), we find Jesus talking of the Temple in Jerusalem, reminding those who listen that this magnificent building will collapse and fall and be no more. No matter how fine it is or richly decorated, it remains a material thing, and so, in the words of Jesus, “the time will come when not a single stone will be left on another: everything will be destroyed.” However, Jesus warns his followers that before this comes to pass, they will be persecuted for their faith and for their fidelity to him. The history of the world has known several ages of martyrs. I wonder whether we are about to pass through another one very soon. Fortunately, only God knows, so we need not worry ourselves wondering when and how. In fact, as Jesus says, “that will be your opportunity to bear witness.” We need not be well prepared. Jesus once more: “Keep this carefully in mind: you are not to prepare your defence, because I myself shall give you an eloquence and a wisdom that none of your opponents will be able to resist or contradict.” Jesus will be with us and he will keep us safe in his heavenly Father’s arms. No matter who opposes us and what they plan to do against us, we need not fear. “You will be hated by all men on account of my name, but not a hair of your head will be lost. Your endurance will win you your lives.”
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.
