Message of Abbot Paul - Wednesday 13th December 2023
Abbot Paul • December 13, 2023
Yesterday Br Antonio made his First Profession, following four years or more of formation in the monastery, one as an aspirant, another as a postulant and two years as a novice. It was a lovely celebration, the Mass being that of Our Lady of Guadalupe. Guests of honour were Br Antonio’s mother and nephew, who had travelled for two days, a day’s journey beyond Cuzco, to be with him. All the chant was in Latin, and you couldn’t fault to singing or the ceremonial. But the Mass and Profession, solemn though they were, were also homely, devotional and deeply moving. As a dear American friend of mine used to say, “there wasn’t a dry eye in the house.” A delicious open air meal was served afterwards to all our guests, among whom were twelve Carmelite friars.
I have just returned from the dentist, where stage two of a crown replacement took place, a painless experience. On returning to the monastery, I see I no longer have WiFi on my iPad. There might be a problem
Today is the important feast day of St Lucy, Virgin and Martyr, put to death for her Christian faith in Syracuse, Sicily, in the year 303. Her name means light, the light being Christ, the source of life and salvation. In many countries, including Denmark, festivals of light in the depth of winter darkness are celebrated. In northern Italy, it’s today that children and adults receive their presents rather than Christmas. May St Lucy bring light to those who walk in darkness and in the shadow of death today, especially in Gaza, where children and adults are starving.
Our Gospel passage comes from Matthew, (Mt 11: 28-30), that consoling invitation of Jesus to “Come unto me.” To whom are these words addressed? To “all you who labour and are overburdened.” And why? That Christ “will give you rest.” What more could anyone ask for? He continues, “Shoulder my yoke and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. Yes, my yoke is easy and my burden light.”
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.