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.
On the Commemoration of All Souls, Abbot Brendan reflects on the experience of death within a monastic community, the meaning of Purgatory, and St Benedict’s invitation never to lose hope in the mercy of God.
The Belmont community visit Dowlais, and remember the Benedictine Mission to South Wales as the country remembers the Aberfan disaster.
We welcomed the Knights and Dames from the Midlands and South Wales and thanked God for their mission and service.
A double celebration on the feast of St Michael and All Angels
A School of Love by the Wye: Abbot Brendan on the Cistercians on the Feast of the Holy Cross.
The Blessing of new Icons for the Churches in Stratford-upon-Avon, with inspiring talks by the Abbot Primate and Dr Rowan Williams.
“O Lord, I love the house where you live, the place where your glory abides.”
