Message of Abbot Paul - Tuesday 13th December 2022
Abbot Paul • December 12, 2022
Yesterday was another bitterly cold day here in Kylemore. Wisely the site has been closed to visitors since Saturday, so another quiet day, although I spent time with the nuns, giving the final talk, celebrating Mass , having lunch with them, hearing a few confessions and attending Vespers in the church. I’ve also been checking up on flights and buses to see what’s working and what’s not. There appear to be quite lengthy delays, but not to worry, I hope and pray I can get back to Belmont this evening. I’ve really enjoyed my week in Ireland and hope to return one day to Kylemore, when the weather is better and there’s time to look around and explore the neighbourhood. I apologise if tomorrow there is no message. It might not be possible to write and send one.
Today, of course, is the feast of St Lucy, the light-bearer, a great celebration in many countries and regions of the world, where many beautiful and ancient celebrations surround her feast day abound. The glorious light of this virgin martyr leads us to Christ and the celebration of his birth at Christmas. In a week’s time the days will begin to lengthen and we shall look forward to the coming of Spring and the rebirth of nature.
Our Gospel today comes from Matthew, (Mt 21: 28-32), and is the continuation of yesterday’s passage. Jesus continues his discussion with the chief priests and elders of the people. He uses the Parable of the Two Sons, the one who promised his father to work in the vineyard, but didn’t go, and the one who at first said no, but then went, to declare that “tax collectors and prostitutes are making their way into the kingdom of God before you.” Why would this be? Because they listened to John the Baptist and repented of their sins, yet the religious leaders of Israel did not. Today we pray that, through the intercession of St Lucy, we might repent of our sins and turn towards the light that is Christ.
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.
