Message of Abbot Paul - Tuesday 27th September 2022
Abbot Paul • September 27, 2022
Yesterday was such a busy day what with interviews and meetings that I ran out of time to write a message for today. In fact, it was the busiest workday of the Visitation of our Peruvian monastery so far and tomorrow looks to be similar. At least we are hoping to get the work done by Wednesday lunchtime, with the help of God. You won’t be surprised to hear that people here are suffering the same price rises as in the U.K. The strange thing Is that even locally produced guano fertiliser has tripled in price, taking advantage of the steep hikes in imported fertilisers from Ukraine and the U.S. You have to wonder about a large percentage of the population that lives below the breadline, and the same goes for many other countries in the world. Peru should be one of the richest countries in Latin America, but misgovernment and corruption, as well as greed put an end to that hope. I realise that the situation in the U.K. is critical, so I won’t bore you with any more news of Peru. I hadn’t meant to write the above, but I worry for our Peruvian brethren, as you can imagine.
Our Gospel reading for today from Luke, (Lk 9: 51-56), marks that key moment in the life and ministry of Jesus when, “Jesus resolutely took the road to Jerusalem.” Luke comments that Jesus was thinking not of his Crucifixion or Resurrection at this stage, but of his Ascension. He sends disciples ahead of him to announce his coming to towns and villages on the way. Two enter a Samaritan village and are rejected because they are making their way to Jerusalem. When James and John ask Jesus whether they should invoke fire from heaven to punish and kill the inhabitants, Jesus rebukes them. No punishment, no revenge, Jesus orders them to move on. Two questions for our reflection. Do we resolutely take the road with Jesus every day of our lives? Do we harbour feelings of hatred or revenge in our hearts rather than follow the example of Jesus?
Bishop Mark Jabalé OSB Bishop Mark died peacefully on 9th May. Reception of Body and Mass of Remembrance Friday 30th May, 11am, St Joseph’s Co-Cathedral, Swansea Requiem Mass & Burial Thursday 5th June, 12 noon, Belmont Abbey Bishop Mark served this community well for many years, not least Abbot and before that Headmaster of the School. He was then asked to serve the wider church as Bishop of Menevia. May he know eternal happiness with God whom he served. Please pray for the eternal happiness of Rt. Rev. Dom Mark Jabalé 10th Bishop of Menevia 10th Abbot of Belmont who died 9th May 2025 in the 92nd year of his age, the 73rd year of his monastic life and the 67th year of his priesthood. May he rest in peace
Bishop Mark Jabalé OSB Bishop Mark died peacefully on 9th May. His funeral will be held at Belmont at 12 noon on Thursday 5th June. Bishop Mark served this community well for many years, not least Abbot and before that Headmaster of the School. He was then asked to serve the wider church as Bishop of Menevia. May he know eternal happiness with God whom he served. Please pray for the eternal happiness of Rt. Rev. Dom Mark Jabalé 10th Bishop of Menevia 10th Abbot of Belmont who died 9th May 2025 in the 92nd year of his age, the 73rd year of his monastic life and the 67th year of his priesthood. May he rest in peace
A homily by Abbot Brendan at a special Easter Mass for Pope Francis, attended by Catholics from across the Deanery.
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.
