Message of Abbot Paul - Wednesday 9th November 2022
Abbot Paul • November 9, 2022
t was good to visit my mother yesterday, although the weather in South Wales was rough and it looked as though a visit to the beach would be impossible. Then, around 3.30, after a marvellous lunch and much needed siesta, the rain appeared to stop and a window of opportunity presented itself, so down we went. There were two other cars in the large carpark, yet no one seemed to be walking. The moment I opened the door, I realised why. The wind was so strong, it was almost impossible to stand, but I knew that Toby was keen to get out and give it a go. So there was nothing for it but to put on my walking boots. Toby was in his element running up and down the sand dunes, aiming for the beach. However, the tide was in and I knew it would be dangerous, what with that wind and the possibility of more rain. The last thing I wanted was to be marooned with no one nearby to come to our help. Not twenty minutes had passed before, suddenly, the heavens opened and the rain beat down sideways in the gale force wind. We both ran for the car. I managed to get Toby in first (he now uses steps to reach the back seat and his pet tube), then crawled in myself. I was soaked to the skin, whereas Toby, being a border collie, was not.
Today the Church celebrates the Dedication of the Lateran Basilica, the cathedral church of the city and Bishop of Rome. The church is dedicated to Christ the Most Holy Saviour, Christ Church, as well as to St John the Baptist and St John the Evangelist. We say that this church is the Mater et Magistra of all the churches, the mother and teacher. In fact, it is one of the oldest of the churches of Rome and takes precedence over the other Roman basilicas, including the Vatican. It is the mother church of Catholics and so kept as a feast all over the world.
Th Gospel read today comes from John, (Jn 2: 13-22), the cleansing of the Temple, in which he makes clear that the true Temple is his body, that will be raised to new life at his Resurrection on the third day. The Church is the Body of Christ, built of living stones by the working of the Holy Spirit in accordance with the Father’s will. Hence, today is a day of rejoicing for it is our feast, when we thank God for calling us to be members of his Church, the Body of Christ and Temple of the Holy Spirit.
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.
