Message of Abbot Paul - Tuesday 1st August 2023
Abbot Paul • July 31, 2023
This evening I’m sitting in one of the KLM lounges at Amsterdam Schiphol, waiting for the flight to Birmingham after spending a fantastic weekend in northern Italy. The beginning of a new month and back to grindstone for me, though I’m not complaining. My parents instilled into me a powerful sense of duty, so hard work and getting things done have never been a problem for me. What does make things more difficult for me these days are recurrent lapses of memory. I’m sure you know what I mean. I envy my mother, who has the memory of a 16 year old, rather than that of a 96 year old!
I’m going to give the Gospel a rest today. It’s the Parable of the Wheat and the Darnel for one thing and I’ve commented on it several times lately. Secondly, it’s almost time to walk to the the gate, some distance away, for the Birmingham flight and then the drive back to Belmont. I can show you the lasagne I had for lunch today, the genuine recipe and ingredients, and a view of Lake Como from the plane. I worked there the Summer of 1969 as a tour guide. Such happy memories, I was based at Bellagio. Some of you might have been there.
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.”
