Message of Abbot Paul - Thursday 29th September 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.