Crying wolf or "coywolf" ?

This week, Br. David Bryan continues his mission trip in Toronto, ON. Our postulant Jeff Costello moves from his pre-clothing leave (akin to a vacation) to his pre-clothing retreat (still at St Mary's House up the driveway). Br. Leonard arrived Thursday from Toronto to be present at next week's installation of Br. Ephrem as OHC's new Superior. For the same reason, our three intially professed Brothers from Harkerville, South Africa, arrived on Friday. It is starting to feel like a family reunion (not unlike at our annual chapter meetings).

This week, also saw the return of our hardy volunteeers after our August recess. Thank God for all the work they get done in support of our monastic lives and ministries.

Monastery peeps. From top left, clockwise: Associate Susan Barbarisi working with Br. John in the monastic library: old friends reunion (Br. Scott lived with our South African Brothers for several years) from left, Bros. Mpumelelo, Aelred, Scott (in front) and Josias; OHC Brothers Made in Africa, Bros. Mpumelelo, Aelred and Leonard; Br. Jacob transplanting a basil plant (2 pictures); Bros. Jacob and Bernard and more non-pictured enjoyin s'mores round our fire pit.

On Tuesday, we observed the feast day of David Pendleton Oakerhater, the first Native American saint in the Episcopal Church. This week, we hosted a retreat led by the Rev, Masud Ibn Syedullah, TSSF* and the neuro-scientist, Dr. Vladimir Miskovic on "Cultivating Loving Presence: Spirituality, Science and the Whole Human Being." Br. Bernard was blessed to attend. Subjects such a consciousness, awareness, neuro-modulation and the spiritual journey were discussed. Masud and Vladimir will repeat this program at the convent of our St John the Baptist sisters in Mendham, NJ, in November.

Monastery visitors. From top left, clockwise: an icon of David Pendleton Oakerhater in the entrance to St Augustine church; Vladimir Miskovic and Masud Ibn Syedullah leading the "Cultivating Loving Presence" retreat; lingering incense smoke caught in midday rays of sunshine; guests resting in the Gueshouse gardens; a mystery quadruped spotted in the meadow.

This past week, our Br. Randy captured the photo above of what appeared to us as a grey wolf. However, a Google search delivers the following on wolves in the mid-Hudson valley.

There are no established populations of wild, pure wolves roaming the Mid-Hudson Valley. Native gray wolves were extirpated from the Hudson Valley region by European settlers in the late 17th and early 18th centuries due to hunting and habitat loss. While occasional wandering wolves can be spotted, DNA tests proves it is rare. Genetic dispersals occasionally show up in upstate New York (such as the Adirondacks or near Canada), sightings in the Mid-Hudson area are almost exclusively large local canines. Eastern Coyotes are frequently mistaken for wolves, local coyotes often carry some historical wolf DNA from northern breeding corridors and can grow quite large (sometimes colloquially called "coywolves").

What do you think? Did Br. Randy spot an occasional wandering grey wolf or a "coywolf?"

Blessings and every good to you.

* The religious suffix TSSF stands for the Third Order of the Society of St. Francis.

Getting ready for the return of our guests

This week, Br. David went to Toronto for a two week mission trip. Br. Josép completed a family visit to his mom in St Petersburg, FL. This weekend, our postulant Jeff Costello started a one week pre-clothing leave at St Mary's House, up the driveway.

Br. Bernard visited Br. Bede at his nursing home, the Meadows in Rhinebeck, NY. We caught up on monastic news and then sang vespers together. Br. Bede keeps a couple of monastic breviaries in his room for just such an opportunity. His voice is feebler than in the days of old but he still knows the music inside out.

Monastery people. From top, clockwise: Br. Josép's mom, Elba and her home care aide enjoying freshly opened coconuts; Br. Josép kissing goodbye to his mom at the end of his stay: Bros. Bernard and John on a walk on Floyd Ackert Rd near the monastery: Bros. Bernard and Bede after having sung Vespers for two in his nursing home room.

Our Guesthouse has been thoroughly cleaned and maintained and repaired and spruced up in view of our guests returning this first day of September. The monks are taking advantage of the last wide open days for walks, hikes and visits. On Tuesday, we go back to our full schedule of church services (during August, we dispensed the midday diurnum and the evening compline).

Inside and out. From top left, clockwise: a riotous clematis on the vegetable garden fence: the morning sun shining throug stainde glass above the Lady and Child statue; close-up on the orchid gracing the statue; a harvest of "volunteer squashes" emerging from where we spread our compost.

We hope many of you will get to come and rest, pray and worship with us at the monastery in the months to come.

A birthday and an electric car

Br. Josép came back from his Cottekill, NY, vacation online to turn around and fly off for a family visit to his mom in St Petersburg, FL.

This week, Br. Jacob got a visit form his dad and mom, coming all the way from Western Missouri, coinciding with his birthday.

After the installation of two extra chargers last week, we were ready to expand our fleet of electric vehicles. Br. Ephrem needed to buy a new car for the office of the Superior. He is a big proponent of EV's. He got a great deal on a Ford Mustang Mach E SUV of 2021 but with little mileage.

From top, clockwise: Br. Jacob sitting in the guest court with his dad and mom for Eucharist; neighborhood daisies on a desk; our newest electric vehicle a.k.a as "the corp. car" (owned by OHC Inc. instead of HCM Inc.,  the monastery).

With this new acquisition, the West Park fleet of cars is 50% full EV's, one third hybrids, and only our sixth car is a simple internal combustion engine vehicle.

Below are a few early morning shots when there is a mysterious cohabitation of light and darkness.

From top, clockwise: lacy clouds over the trees; projected shadow of the altartop crucifix in the St Michael Chapel (our crypt under St Augustine's Church); the guesthouse and belltower before the sun peeks over the horizon.

Peace and every good to you.