Message of Abbot Paul - Thursday 26th January 2023
Abbot Paul • January 26, 2023
Sadly, our internet connection went down again yesterday evening, so I was unable yet again to join in the zoomed Night Prayer for the Octave of Prayer for Christian Unity. I feel both upset and embarrassed. I fear we have become a fourth world country, as St Teresa of Calcutta always used to say when she visited the UK. Far worse than not having an internet connection is the suffering of a quarter or so of British children who are hungry and cold as I write this message, while here I’m sat, warm and well-fed. So often now I feel I should give up this way of life and do something more positive and practical to alleviate suffering, as I used to do when I lived in Peru. There is so much going on at the moment that makes this country unrecognisable, such as the loss of faith and lack of vocations, that I get bouts of deep sorrow for the world in which I live. Last night I really felt the loss of not being able to pray with those taking part in the short, united service. Obviously, I was able to sit in silence and join them in my heart, but it wasn’t the same, of course.
​Today the Church, and especially Cistercian and Benedictine monasteries, are keeping the feast of the holy founders of Cisteux, Saints Robert, Stephen Harding and Alberic. May their example and writings guide all monks and nuns on the road to holiness through their prayer, work and community life.
​Our Gospel reading comes from Mark, (Mk 4: 21-25), and presents us with two of the sayings of Jesus.
​“Jesus said to the crowd, ‘Would you bring in a lamp to put it under a tub or under the bed? Surely you will put it on the lamp-stand? For there is nothing hidden but it must be disclosed, nothing kept secret except to be brought to light. If anyone has ears to hear, let him listen to this.’
​He also said to them, ‘Take notice of what you are hearing. The amount you measure out is the amount you will be given – and more besides; for the man who has will be given more; from the man who has not, even what he has will be taken away.’”
​To what is Jesus referring when he talks about light? It could be about himself and the fact that he is the Messiah. It could be the message he preaches and the grace, healing and forgiveness that goes with it, but Jesus limits the revelation of his message to those who trust him enough to really want to understand. Ultimately, everything will be brought into the light and all will be revealed and known. Lord, you once called your disciples the light of the world: may we be a light in the world for you today. Amen.
Bishop Mark Jabalé OSB Bishop Mark died peacefully last night. He served this community well for many years, not least Abbot of the Community and before that Headmaster of the School. He was then asked to serve the wider church as Bishop of Menevia. May he know eternal happiness with God whom he served. Please pray for the eternal happiness of Rt. Rev. Dom Mark Jabalé 10th Bishop of Menevia 10th Abbot of Belmont who died 9th May 2025 in the 92nd year of his age, the 73rd year of his monastic life and the 67th year of his priesthood. May he rest in peace
A homily by Abbot Brendan at a special Easter Mass for Pope Francis, attended by Catholics from across the Deanery.
Pope Francis RIP Pope 2013-2025 Born 1936, Died 2025 We are deeply saddened at the passing of Pope Francis. As the successor of St Peter he has been a spiritual father and shepherd to the church in our day, challenging us, and calling as to reach out to those on the peripheries. He was the first Jesuit Pope, but took the name Francis after the Poor Man of Assisi who modelled for him a closeness to the poor, a concern for those on the margins of society and a care for all of creation In his preaching Pope Francis always spoke of the joy of the Gospel and encouraged us to reflect the joy of our faith in our lives. He showed the compassion of Jesus to everyone. He worked tirelessly for the unity of the church and travelled even to non-Christian countries promoting a message of peace. He has left a great legacy. With the presence of the Apostolic Nuncio with the community over Easter we were able to express our closeness to the Holy Father in his final suffering. There will be a special Mass at Belmont this Thursday 24th April at 11am to pray for Pope Francis as he makes his final journey to the house of the Father. On the day of his funeral, the Office of the Dead will be sung, and Mass that day will be a Requiem. May the angels lead him into paradise; may the martyrs receive him at his arrival and lead him to the holy city Jerusalem. May choirs of angels receive him and with Lazarus, the poor man grant him eternal rest." (The In Paradisum, words from the Funeral Liturgy)
We were were honoured and delighted to be joined by the Apostolic Nuncio to celebrate Easter. His Excellency Archbishop Miguel Maury Buendía is the representative of the Holy See in Great Britain, and therefore of the Holy Father. His presence on Easter Sunday morning brought us more consciously in communion with Pope Francis, the successor of St Peter, as we heard the Gospel story of Peter running to the tomb. His patron saint is St Michael, so afterwards, at a festive lunch we were able to present him with some Belmont cufflinks with the monastery coat of arms - very similar to his as Archbishop. We were able to pray for him and his work in this country.
