Message of Abbot Paul - Wednesday 13th December 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.”