Message of Abbot Paul - Wednesday 20th December 2023
Abbot Paul • December 19, 2023
As promised, I’m writing these few lines at one of the Air France lounges in Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport. The flight from Lima was comfortable and punctual with a fair amount of gentle turbulence, which I enjoy and helps me sleep well. I wonder if they make beds like that? There’s quite a long wait for the flight to Birmingham, and as luck would have it, it’s late. There are no alternatives, so one must be patient.
Today’s Gospel is that of the Annunciation to Mary as told by Luke, (Lk 1:26-38). Mary is not disturbed by the appearance of the Angel Gabriel, but by his words, "Hail Mary, full of grace. The Lord is with you." That she should be called Grace-filled and told that God was with her, must have sounded so far fetched to a young village girl, probably unaware at this stage that she had been conceived without sin and was now to conceive God’s own Son, the Messiah. Her peace was disturbed to bring into the world the Prince of Peace. She is not afraid to ask questions and stands up for herself. “How can this be?” She asks and Gabriel explains God’s plan to her. Note the courtesy and humility of God who waits for Mary’s decision. Indeed, the whole world waits with bated breath to hear what Mary will say. “I am the handmaid of the Lord. Let what you have said be done to me.” Mary accepts God’s will. As we prepare for Christmas, are we prepared to put ourselves at God’s disposal for the salvation of the world as Mary was? Could that be the gift we offer the Child in the manger this Christmas?
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.
