Message of Abbot Paul - Sunday 30th April 2023
Abbot Paul • April 30, 2023
Yesterday was a busy day. That is probably the understatement of the year to date! It began, as usual, long before dawn and was still going strong at 10.20pm when I sat down to write this message. It contained the daily monastic duties of prayer and work as well as exercise and fresh air with Toby, as real blessing for me.
Saturday is also the day when I finish off the parish newsletter, the monastic music list for the following week and other weekly items, such as bidding prayers. On Saturdays there is also the Parish Sunday Vigil at 4pm, a Mass started during Covid that now has a life of its own. In addition, parishioners organised a marvellous Fun Dog Show, attended by a surprisingly large number of dogs and their human companions. All those present thoroughly enjoyed themselves and expressed the hope that the day could be repeated next year. Toby was very pleased with his blue rosette and second place in the Senior Dog section. This was followed by a wedding, which fortunately was celebrated by Fr Simon. Nevertheless, things had to be set up for it and then cleared away, so that the Parish Mass could take place on time: we were just a few minutes late starting. When I sat down for the first psalm at Vespers, I suddenly relaxed in my choir stall, realising that this was the first time I had sat down since a quick five-minute lunch at one o’clock. Then, shortly after Vespers, Belmont hosted the most spectacular concert given by the ladies’ choir ‘Le Voci.’ They were truly amazing, giving the audience two hours of pure joy. They will be returning for a Christmas Concert on 16th December. If you get the chance to see them, don’t hesitate in doing so.
Our Gospel passage today, Good Shepherd Sunday, consists of the first ten verses of John chapter 10 and is the introduction to the discourse on the Shepherd and the Sheep. Jesus tells us that, “I am the gate of the sheepfold.” Only through him can we enter the kingdom of heaven.
“I am the gate.
Anyone who enters through me will be safe:
he will go freely in and out
and be sure of finding pasture.
The thief comes
only to steal and kill and destroy.
I have come
so that they may have life and have it to the full.”
Only through Jesus can we be saved and have life to the full, God’s own life, the life of the Spirit, united to the Father and to one another through Christ and in his Spirit.
Today is the day when the Church prays especially for vocations to the sacred priesthood. We pray for the Church throughout the world, but above all in our own country, region and diocese. At Belmont, we also pray for vocations to our own monastery and to our foundation in Peru. May generous souls come forward to offer their lives to God in his service through the priesthood.
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.