Message of Abbot Paul - Thursday - 25th April 2024

Yesterday was my last full day in Peru and what a day it was. In addition to all the usual things we do every day in a monastery, the services and periods of reading and prayer, a full programme had been arranged for me. In the morning after Mass, a 20 minute car trip along the PanAmerican Highway to Punta Hermosa, an exclusive beach resort, which many people have now made their permanent home, to have breakfast with a dear friend of the monastic community and of the Cistercian nuns before us. Apart from the wonderful company of a deeply religious lady and retired diplomat, I have never been served such a splendid breakfast in my entire life. It was quite spectacular and included everything you could think of, yet all beautifully understated in its presentation. All this on a balcony overlooking the beach and ocean.

In the afternoon I had the visit of a dear friend for a heart to heart. I served him lunch, but couldn’t bring myself to eat anymore after the breakfast I’d had. The monks had arranged early Vespers, so that a party could take place in my honour. This also involved our oblates and friends of the community, a professional singer with two guitarists and two young professional dancers. There was the most amazing programme of Peruvian music and dancing, plus songs and poems by the monks. As always in Peru, the noise was well above safety levels and my ears are still ringing. Will I ever hear properly again? There were speeches, food and drink in abundance and general dancing of the traditional Peruvian huayno from the Andes. So it’s really very late indeed as I sit to write these few words. I shall leave the Gospel commentary for today, if you don’t mind, as I need to get to bed. Tomorrow, i.e. today is going to be a very long day indeed.