Message of Abbot Paul - Tuesday 7th November 2023
Abbot Paul • November 6, 2023
Yesterday I had the joy of visiting my mother and, as often happens, the weather was good: it was dry and sunny. After a magnificent lunch and a short siesta, Toby and I went down to the beach, which was spectacular. We had one of our best walks ever and both of us seemed rejuvenated by the experience. It felt like a vision of Paradise. It was hard to believe that we’re already in the middle of November. I’ll share a few photographs with you.
Our Gospel passage from Luke (Lk 14: 15-24) consists of a parable told by Jesus in response to a comment by one of those at table with him, “Blessed is the man who will be at the feast in the kingdom of God!” This is how the parable begins: “There was a man who gave a great banquet, and he invited a large number of people. When the time for the banquet came, he sent his servant to say to those who had been invited, ‘Come along: everything is ready now.’” Yet again the kingdom of heaven is seen as a feast to which many are invited. This is how heaven is pictured in the Prophet Isaiah and other Old Testament texts. So far, so good, but then trouble begins. “But all alike started to make excuses. The first said, ‘I have bought a piece of land and must go and see it. Please accept my apologies.’ Another said, ‘I have bought five yoke of oxen and am on my way to try them out. Please accept my apologies.’ Yet another said, ‘I have just got married and so am unable to come.’” Excuses, excuses! Do we make excuses at God’s invitation to a life of faith and to the promise of heaven? We know that many of those who heard Jesus rejected him and we are aware of that in the world today.
​“Then the householder, in a rage, said to his servant, ‘Go out quickly into the streets and alleys of the town and bring in here the poor, the crippled, the blind and the lame.’” If those who were invited can’t be bothered to turn up, then others will take their place. Jesus’ preference, like that of many of the saints, is for “the poor, the crippled, the blind and the lame.” This is the origin of the Church’s preferential option for the poor, those who recognise their need for God. But even with the needy now at table, there’s room left for more – remember the words of Jesus, “In my Father’s house there are many rooms.” So the master says to his servant, “Go to the open roads and the hedgerows and force people to come in to make sure my house is full; because, I tell you, not one of those who were invited shall have a taste of my banquet.” Again, we are reminded of what Jesus said of his mission, “I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.” Jesus came to save sinners, to reconcile us with the Father and to give his life in sacrifice not for those who consider themselves to be just and perfect, but for the poor who recognise their need for God’s forgiveness and mercy.
Bishop Mark Jabalé OSB Bishop Mark died peacefully on 9th May. 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.
