Message of Abbot Paul - Tuesday 17th January 2023
Abbot Paul • January 16, 2023
Just a short message today to let you know that yesterday I arrived as planned at Prinknash Abbey just in time for the opening of the Visitation, which is always a moment of grace for a monastic community. We then worked all day, stopping only for the Divine Office, a half hour of mental prayer together in choir and simple meals. Today we continue after the early morning offices, breakfast, Terce and the Conventual Mass. I ask for your prayers.
Today we celebrate the father of monastic life, St Antony of Egypt, who was born in the year 251, and was among the first to hear the call of Jesus to follow him in the monastic life, albeit as a hermit. Many disciples soon flocked to follow his example and teaching, as a result monastic communities came into existence. We ask his intercession today for monasteries of monks and nuns throughout the world, but especially in Egypt, North Africa and the Middle East, the cradle of Christianity, where Christians live under persecution, causing many to migrate as refugees. May the Lord look on them with his loving mercy and may we receive them with generosity and kindness.
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.