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?
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.