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.”
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.
