Message of Abbot Paul - Wednesday 28th September 2022
Abbot Paul • September 28, 2022
ust a brief greeting today as yesterday was the longest and most tiring day of the Visitation so far. I’m deeply indebted to Abbot Benito Rodriguez of Las Condes Abbey, Santiago, Chile, for accompanying me at this important moment in the life of our Peruvian foundation. Today this message will come with a photograph taken just before Compline of the recently restored late 16th century statue of St Benedict in our church. Tomorrow I’ll post some photos of the community.
Today’s Gospel passage from Luke, (Lk 9: 57-62), is all about making excuses when Jesus invites us to follow him, or, worse still, after we’ve voluntarily asked Jesus if we can follow him. There are three examples of such behaviour. This is the third. “‘l will follow you, sir, but first let me go and say goodbye to my people at home.’ Jesus said to him, ‘Once the hand is laid on the plough, no one who looks back is fit for the kingdom of God.’” With Jesus, it’s all or nothing, no divided hearts. Where do I stand?
The Belmont community visit Dowlais, and remember the Benedictine Mission to South Wales as the country remembers the Aberfan disaster.
We welcomed the Knights and Dames from the Midlands and South Wales and thanked God for their mission and service.
A double celebration on the feast of St Michael and All Angels
A School of Love by the Wye: Abbot Brendan on the Cistercians on the Feast of the Holy Cross.
The Blessing of new Icons for the Churches in Stratford-upon-Avon, with inspiring talks by the Abbot Primate and Dr Rowan Williams.
“O Lord, I love the house where you live, the place where your glory abides.”
Nothing that is precious and dear to God is simply discarded: homily by Abbot Brendan.
