Message of Abbot Paul - Thursday 16th November 2023
Abbot Paul • November 15, 2023
Yesterday was an extremely busy day for those of us taking part in the Benedictine superiors’ meeting at Ampleforth. I was up well before 5 o’clock although the monastic timetable only begins at 6am with Vigils. The sessions have been intense and demanding, with just a short break after lunch. Today we will have the same exhaustive timetable, which I hope will be as rewarding as yesterday. Tomorrow, the meeting ends and I will be driving back to Belmont. I pray the weather is kind.
In today’s Gospel from Luke, (Lk 17: 20-25), the Pharisees ask Jesus when the kingdom of God is going to come. They fail to grasp the meaning of his reply that it’s not a question of looking to the future, for, in fact, the kingdom is already among them, for where Jesus is, there is the kingdom. “For, you must know, the kingdom of God is among you.” Speaking with his disciples, he says that before the end of the world takes place with all its attendant signs, the Son of Man “must suffer grievously and be rejected by this generation.” First must come his Passion, Death and Resurrection. Only then will the time be ready for the end and kingdom to come.
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.