Message of Abbot Paul - Tuesday 6th June 2023
Abbot Paul • June 6, 2023
Yesterday was an unusual day as it included a routine visit to the hospital, before Covid an annual event, as they like to keep track of me after my cancer operation 14 years’ ago. Hence I was up well before 5am, although today was a bank holiday, Pentecost Monday, in fact. As we were down in the centre, we decided to visit a few of the many historic churches of Thessaloniki, a city with a fascinating history. It’s interesting to note the large number of tourists who now visit the city from all over the world. We bumped into many today.
We began in the heart of the upper town, beside the city walls, at the Moni Vlatadon, a large monastic complex dating back to Byzantine times. Many churches and monasteries were built or rebuilt in 14th century, a period of great religious renewal in Eastern Christianity. Think of St Gregory Palamas, Archbishop of Thessaloniki, and St Simeon the New Theologian. A favourite spot of mine here is the small chapel of St Paul, where my patron saint is said to have spent days and nights in prayer. In the main church as baptism was taking place in the Romanian language.
We then moved on to the church of St Nikolaos Orphanos, a small building in a beautiful rose garden and for me one of the most memorable and nostalgic places in the world. Like all the churches of Thessaloniki, it was turned into a mosque in the Ottoman era and its wonderful icons and frescos either destroyed or badly damaged. It’s dedicated to St Nicholas, probably the most popular saint in Greece.
On the way there we passed by some Byzantine baths, which you could easily mistake externally for a church.
Finally, I visited the church of St Panteleimon, Pantaleon in English, from which the word pantaloon is derived. Another church rebuilt in 14th century and originally part of a monastic complex, it’s now beautifully restored but surrounded by tall department blocks. I love the brickwork and the reuse of Roman columns. Thessaloniki was an important city of the Roman Empire, hence St Paul’s visit and long stay there, and there are as many Roman as ancient and Byzantine Greek monuments to see and enjoy. Sadly the great fire of 1917 destroyed much of the old city. Thessaloniki was very much a Jewish city: it had 17 synagogues. Kamel Ataturk, founder of modern Turkey, was born here. It was a city where Muslims, Jews and Christians lived in peace and harmony. If you’re interested I could recommend a few books on the history of the city, as I’ve often repeated, one of the most interesting and beautiful places on earth.
Bishop Mark Jabalé OSB Bishop Mark died peacefully last night. He served this community well for many years, not least Abbot of the Community 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.
