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.
On the Commemoration of All Souls, Abbot Brendan reflects on the experience of death within a monastic community, the meaning of Purgatory, and St Benedict’s invitation never to lose hope in the mercy of God.
The Belmont community visit Dowlais, and remember the Benedictine Mission to South Wales as the country remembers the Aberfan disaster.
We welcomed the Knights and Dames from the Midlands and South Wales and thanked God for their mission and service.
A double celebration on the feast of St Michael and All Angels
A School of Love by the Wye: Abbot Brendan on the Cistercians on the Feast of the Holy Cross.
The Blessing of new Icons for the Churches in Stratford-upon-Avon, with inspiring talks by the Abbot Primate and Dr Rowan Williams.
“O Lord, I love the house where you live, the place where your glory abides.”
