Message of Abbot Paul - Wednesday 11th October 2023
Abbot Paul • October 10, 2023
This afternoon and evening I will be travelling back to Belmont from Thessaloniki, where I have been staying with old university friends. It’s been good to rest and take things easy for nine days, although one friend has rather advanced Alzheimer’s, so it’s not always been easy. Together we have been following on television the tragic events taking place in Israel and Palestine and praying for peace and the safety of innocent people. Words fail before such horrific situations.
Today the Church keeps the feast of a much-loved Pope, St John XXIII. We ask his intercession for peace in our world and for the unity of the Church, especially for the working the Synod.
Our Gospel passage comes from Luke, (Lk 11: 1-4), in which Jesus teaches his disciples to pray at their request. “Once Jesus was in a certain place praying, and when he had finished, one of his disciples, said, ‘Lord, teach us to pray, just as John taught his disciples.’” The disciples want to be like Jesus, their Lord, in every way, including his prayer life. It’s interesting to note that John the Baptist also taught his disciples to pray. The version of the Lord’s Prayer in Luke is shorter than in Matthew.
“Father, may your name be held holy, your kingdom come; give us each day our daily bread, and forgive us our sins, as we ourselves forgive each one who is in debt to us. And do not put us to the test.” Had you thought of using this version from time to time? The essentials are there, especially the emphasis on forgiveness.
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.