Message of Abbot Paul - Thursday 14th December 2023
Abbot Paul • December 14, 2023
I apologise for there being no message today. Yesterday turned out to be such a busy day, that in the end there wasn’t a spare moment to sit down and write. I hope today will be different.
Today we keep the feast of St John of the Cross, the 16th century Spanish Carmelite, known as the Mystical Doctor, for his outstanding writings on prayer and the spiritual life. May he pray for us and the whole Church today, where I believe more prayer and less talk is needed.
Today is also the 23rd anniversary of my election as Abbot of Belmont. The brethren here were reminiscing last night how Br Mario had just made his First Profession and Fr Alex was a novice, when I left Peru for a few days to be present at the election at Belmont, never for a moment imagining that I would be elected abbot. As I begin my 24th and last year, I ask for your prayers as the communities in England and Peru discern the way forward and prepare to elect a new abbot. May St John of the Cross guide our hearts and minds.
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.