Message of Abbot Paul - Wednesday 7th December 2022
Abbot Paul • December 6, 2022
It’s a great joy for me to be able to write this short message from Kylemore Abbey in Ireland, where I am accompanying the delightful Benedictine nuns in their annual retreat. I arrived on Monday evening after a long, but interesting journey. I particularly enjoyed the comfortable bus ride from Dublin Airport to Galway, which included a wonderful scenic tour through the city of Dublin, such a beautiful, vibrant city. Then, after an excellent late lunch, came the fascinating car ride to Kylemore. On the way, I was taken to visit a hundred year old nun in a nursing home to pray with her and give her a special blessing. Yesterday, after a good night’s sleep, twice the usual length, I was able to admire the dramatic scenery round about, after morning office with the nuns and have a free morning until Mass at midday. The retreat began with the first conference early in the afternoon. I’m so glad I came and feel that this is doing me the world of good. I hope it will prove the same for the sisters.
Our Gospel passage today comes from Matthew, (Mt 11: 28-30), one of the loveliest and most consoling sayings of Jesus. “Come to me, all you who labour and are overburdened, and I will give you rest. 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.” Jesus invites all those who need his help and support to come to him. No one is excluded, but must come to him and accept the rest that he can give them. In return for his shouldering our yoke, he offers us his own, a yoke that is easy and a burden that is light. Our own burdens are often the result of pride and a sinful desire to dominate others or perhaps go it alone, as though we were self-sufficient. Jesus teaches us to do things differently, in faith, hope and love, and together with others.
On the Commemoration of All Souls, Abbot Brendan reflects on the experience of death within a monastic community, the meaning of Purgatory, and St Benedict’s invitation never to lose hope in the mercy of God.
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.”
