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?
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.
We are sad to announce that Fr Stephen died on Monday 21st October 2055. He was 94. He died peacefully in hospital, having recently fractured his shoulder. He was a beloved member of the monastic community, who had settled back at Belmont after many years on Belmont parishes, including in Abergavenny, Swansea, Hereford and Weobley. He will be much missed. His Requiem Mass will be at Belmont on Wednesday, 5th November at 11.30am followed by burial in the monastic cemetery. The Reception of his Body into the Abbey Church will take place on Tuesday, 4th November, at 5.45pm.
With honoured guests we were delighted to open our doors again of our new guesthouse and conference centre: The Chapterhouse.
"A hymn to the human body." Abbot Brendan's Homily at the annual Mass celebrated at Rotherwas Chapel in Hereford that dates from the 1580s on the feast of the Assumption.
From Francis to Leo: A special event with Christopher Lamb of CNN in conversation with Austin Ivereigh who commentated for the BBC on the transition from Pope Francis to Pope Leo.
On 12th June an Ecumenical Service was held at Hereford Cathedral to celebrate the 1700th anniversary of the Council of Nicea.
