Fall Contemplative Days

Br. Timothy's sister-in-law Carmne died this past week. He continues to be with her husband, his brother Charley, in Texas. Please hold them in prayer.

Br. David Bryan continues his vacation in England.

The monastery observed Contemplative Days this week. This means we are in round-the-clock greater silence from Tuesday to Sunday morning. Many guests specifically seek out these weeks to make their retreat at the monastery.

Mid-week, some of our brothers and guests saw an aurora borealis (Northern lights) above the monastery. It's the luck of the time and place you are. They can't be forecasted more than 15 to 45 minutes ahead of time. Thank you to Bros. Francis and Anthony for the pictures.

A beautiful home in beautiful lights.

The weather has continued to be very mild for the season. The gardens have been popular for some quality time with God.

Br. Anthony has been tending the vegetable garden for its last few frost-free weeks. Our refectory salads have greatly benefited from his garden ministry.

A yacht parked in the middle of the river for a few days. At first some thought it was a cruise boat but it turned out to be a 100 million dollar private yacht (Br. Robert Leo researched it online). This changes us from the more usual company of underpaid, developing country crews on the many bulker ships that often park in the river by us. Inequality illustrated.

Monastery people. From top left, clockwise: Br. Anthony hard at work in the vegetable garden by the guesthouse kitchen (2 pictures): guests reading and meditating in the gardens; a charter yacht enjoying the river views; a bee hungrily visiting an aster in front of the guesthouse: mums inside and out (two pictures)

Some trees are slowly changing colors but mostly green is still the dominant hue. More autumnal colors are coming though.

Dedication

This week, the formation team went to a CAROA New Members Conference at the Community of Saint John the Baptist, in Mendham, NJ. CAROA stands for Conference of Anglican Religious Orders in the Americas. That's six men gone for the week (Bros. Josép, Francis, Bruno, Anthony and Mpumelelo, and our postulant Ben). The monastic choir did well though a little weaker than usual.

Br. David Bryan is away for a two week vacation in England with his best friend and our Companion, Suzette Cayless.

Br. Timothy is on a family leave in Texas to visit his brother Charlie whose wife Carmen is ill. Please keep them in your prayers.

This Sunday is the feast of the dedication of Saint Augustine's church, our monastery's main place of worship. Br. Scott preached a great sermon for it.

Dedication. From top left, clockwise: a glorious flower arrangement by Br. Robert James for the feast of the dedication (asters, mums, cosmos, all from our gardens - three pictures); a guest enjoying the quiet of our gardens; a votive in front of  a face of Christ in a monk's cell.

This weekend, we have a large men's group from Manhattan having their annual retreat here. The group has been coming to the monastery for many, many years.

Monastery people. From top, clockwise: Bros. Robert Leo and John working on shelf lists checked by library volunteers to tidy up our online catalogue (2 pictures); two guests pitted in friendly chess combat in the Pilgrim Hall.

Signs of the turning of the leaves are progressively appearing. Green is still dominant. For how long?

Prayers; at home and on the pilgrim's way

Br. Ephrem should be returning home from his family visit in Louisiana, this Sunday.

Br. Aidan has completed his pilgrimage to Lindisfarne, Holy Island, in England's Northumberland. He walked the full course of St Curthbert's Way. He is due back at the monastery this Monday.

Br. Carl has been on an at-home silent retreat this week.

Br. Aidan in England and Scotland. From top left, clockwise; Br. Aidan and his friend Joyce, from their undergraduate days, on her wedding day, in Manchester, UK; views on St Cuthbert's Way in the Scottish Borders and Northumberland (6 pictures); tiny Br. Aidan within St Cuthbert's Cave; happy Br. Aidan at the highest point on St Cuthbert's Way.

On this past Thursday, we received two new Associates during our morning Eucharist; Nancy Grear, from Rochester, NY, and Maria Cirillo-Lein, from Lords Valley, PA.

In St Augustine's Church. From top left, clockwise: Br. Bernard with newest Holy Cross Associates Maria Cirillo-Lein and Nancy Grear; Asters from our gardens gracing St Benedict's icon (2 pictures); votive candles between the tabernacle and the Lady and Child statue; a monk lighting a votive; a floral composition from our gardens (wtih an out-of-season iris); Mother and Child icon by Associate Joan Monastero (on display in our little art gallery).

This past Friday, the interns, the novices and their Formator, Br. Josép cleaned the huge, floor to ceiling, window panes of the offices of Bros. Robert James and Bernard. We now both have a clearer outlook on the world (not to mention the lovely Hudson river). Thank you, Guys!