Message of Abbot Paul - Tuesday 12th December 2023
Abbot Paul • December 12, 2023
Today’s will be a short message as I spent yesterday afternoon with a local dentist, who was attending to a loose crown. She will be replacing it in the course of the week. My experience with Peruvian dentists in the past has always been excellent. In the morning, I accompanied some of the brethren as they coated chocolate chip panettones with melted Belgian fondant chocolate. You can’t help but admire their patience and talent.
Today in the Americas we keep the feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe, that icon of a pregnant indigenous woman, Mary Mother of all God’s children, written with natural dies on the cloak of St Juan Diego, to whom she said, “Am I not here with you, I who am your Mother?” Today she will say these words to each one of us, and especially to Br Antonio, who will be making his First Profession.
Today’s Gospel passage is that of the Parable of the Sheep that went astray, from Matthew, (Mt 18: 12-14). As a story it’s an exaggeration. What shepherd would leave ninety nine sheep in the fold and go off to look for the one who had strayed? But that’s the whole point, God’s love for us is so great that he alone of all shepherds would. And that’s what Jesus came to do, to seek out and to find those who were lost and had gone astray. Jesus will not rest until each one of us is safe in his arms.
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.