Message of Abbot Paul - Thursday 24th November 2022
Abbot Paul • November 23, 2022
I am always amazed at the amount of time and energy parishioners are willing to expend in the organisation and running of the many events that contribute to the pastoral, liturgical and social life of the parish and its missionary outreach. Last night, Fr Augustine and I attended a meeting of the Belmont Summer Fete Committee. We are there to support and encourage the fantastic ladies who have all the ideas and, with the help of many volunteers, do all the work. Where would we be without them? We are all immensely grateful. And this is the story of most parishes that I know or have worked in. Peru was no different. There, too, ladies did the most extraordinary amount of work, as well as having a job, keeping a home, looking after children and grandparents and keeping an eye on their husbands.
Yesterday was a windswept day with a lot of heavy rain. Walking with Toby between showers in the afternoon, I took the photograph which adorns this short message.
Today the Church remembers the Vietnamese Martyrs, 117 canonised of the
4,799 who were martyred for the Catholic faith between 1745 and 1862. Christians were martyred in horrific ways in Vietnam, their bodies were mutilated and some were tortured with the use of psychoactive drugs. Many were branded on the face, and whole towns known to hold Christians were wiped out. An 1862 treaty with the French granted religious freedom to Catholics, but did not stop all persecutions throughout the country. Most recently, in the last century, the Communist government tried to purge the nation of religion, and more than 600,000 Christians fled, leaving everything behind. We ask the intercession of the Martyrs and pray for the Church in Vietnam and for Vietnamese Christians throughout the world today.
In our Gospel reading from Luke, (Lk 21: 20-28), Jesus speaks to his disciples of the fall and destruction of Jerusalem and of the religious persecution that will take place when the Roman Empire turns against Christians. “For great misery will descend on the land and wrath on this people. They will fall by the edge of the sword and be led captive to every pagan country; and Jerusalem will be trampled down by the pagans until the age of the pagans is completely over.” Sadly, throughout the history of the Church, persecution has happened many times, and in many countries, and is taking place even today in a number of countries. Christians must always be prepared to suffer persecution for their faith in Jesus Christ and the Christian values he taught. Jesus also speaks of the Second Coming: “They will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. When these things begin to take place, stand erect, hold your heads high, because your liberation is near at hand.” We know neither the day nor the hour, but we must be prepared. Jesus will give us the faith and courage to be brave and to hold our heads high, for he will be with us to grant us the freedom of the beloved children of God.
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.