Message of Abbot Paul - Thursday 29th September 2022
Abbot Paul • September 29, 2022
Today we keep the feast of St Michael and All Angels, Belmont’s patronal festival, and the day on which many of us took our temporary or solemn vows. Today is very special to Dom Simon and Dom Leo, as they celebrate the Diamond Jubilee of their Monastic Profession, so our special prayers and congratulations to them. Sadly, I won’t be there to join in the celebrations, although we will be offering Mass for them in Peru, remembering that both served in Peru for a number of years and did sterling work.
Yesterday Abbot Benito and I were able to conclude the Canonical Visitation of our Peruvian monastery just in time for Vespers, but what hard and tiring work it was. Still the results were excellent and everyone was happy with the outcome. Fr Alex has been reappointed as Prior for another four years, until the next visitation. There will be a number of changes, that will prove beneficial for the community, especially as it grows in number, (12 monks at present), and some aspects of life become more complicated and will need more attention. It’s an observant, joyful, united, prayerful and hardworking community and really stands out for the quality of its monastic life. It’s been a joy to spend these past two weeks with them and will be sorry to leave after lunch today. I love the rhythm of monastic life here, which is so close to the Rule of St Benedict.
It’s late and I’m very tired, as yesterday also included quite exhausting and unexpected treatment on my shoulder at a specialised hospital. Apparently, I need another eight sessions. I have no idea how I’ll arrange that in Hereford! I won’t add anything else and no commentary on the Gospel reading. I hope you’ll forgive me. There are, however, photographs of the brethren.
Bishop Mark Jabalé OSB Bishop Mark died peacefully on 9th May. Reception of Body and Mass of Remembrance Friday 30th May, 11am, St Joseph’s Co-Cathedral, Swansea Requiem Mass & Burial Thursday 5th June, 12 noon, Belmont Abbey Bishop Mark served this community well for many years, not least Abbot 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
Bishop Mark Jabalé OSB Bishop Mark died peacefully on 9th May. His funeral will be held at Belmont at 12 noon on Thursday 5th June. Bishop Mark served this community well for many years, not least Abbot 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.
