Message of Abbot Paul - Tuesday 26th September 2023
Abbot Paul • September 26, 2023
Today the Church remembers the twin 3rd century physician martyr saints of Syria, Cosmas and Damian, so popular in the early Church that they even appear in the Roman Canon. They are the patron saints of medicine and pharmacy and were renowned for attending to the sick without any charge. So many miracles were wrought through their intercession that their cult spread throughout Europe and the Middle East. One of the small medieval churches well worth visiting in Herefordshire is that of Saints Cosmas and Damian at Stretford, just a few miles south of Leominster off the A4110. You mustn’t miss it. May this day’s saints pray for doctors, surgeons, nurses and pharmacists and for the NHS.
Our short Gospel reading from Luke, (Lk 8: 19-21), focusses on a visit made to Jesus by his mother and other family members. “The mother and the brothers of Jesus came looking for him, but they could not get to him because of the crowd. He was told, ‘Your mother and brothers are standing outside and want to see you.’ But he said in answer, ‘My mother and my brothers are those who hear the word of God and put it into practice.’” Jesus uses their visit to teach the crowds who follow him what it means to belong to God’s family, the family of the faithful. All can be the brothers and sisters of Jesus if they “hear the word of God and put it into practice.” We are not told by Luke why it is that his mother and brothers wish to see him, nor are we told whether he left the crowds in order to them. We know that his mother is Mary, the wife of Joseph the carpenter, but who are these brothers? Could they have been the sons of Joseph by an earlier marriage? Tradition points in that direction. Personally, being an only son, I’ve often wondered what it must be like to have brothers and sisters. One of the sorrows I’ve carried through life is that of not having a brother or sister. I envy those who do. Yet Jesus has chosen and called me to be one of his brothers and for that I’m truly grateful.
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.