Message of Abbot Paul - Thursday 16th March 2023
Abbot Paul • March 16, 2023
Decorating Paschal Candles
Well, tonight I’m writing this message not in my cell at the monastery, but in a comfortable, air-conditioned lounge at Lima airport. Because several roads were closed due to flooding, Fr Alex brought me by a way we’d not tried before, and amazingly it took half the time we usually take. Sadly, many homes have been flooded and crops and animals lost here around Lima, Lurin and Pachacamac. Yet, this pales into insignificance when compared with northern Peru and such towns as Piura, Chiclayo, Sullana and Tambogrande. Apart from the rains and the intense heat that accompanies them, it’s been a wonderfully fulfilling visit in many ways and I’ve been very impressed again by my Peruvian brethren. Some will be glad to hear that Fr Alex will be at Belmont in September to lead two icon courses: details in due course. I’ll be adding a few photographs of the community as also of the novices painting paschal candles with Fr Alex.
I won’t say much about the Gospel today as I don’t have it before me. It’s from Luke 11 and is about the power by which Jesus casts out devils, as some were complaining that he did so by the power of Satan himself (herself?). But Jesus reminds them that a house divided within itself is bound to fall, so would Satan cast out his own? This is a call for unity in the Church and for unity among Christians against evil of all kinds. Let us join with Jesus in ridding the world of sin and evil, harbouring in the reign of God and his kingdom among us
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.