Holy Week!

Holy Week is always an intense time of prayer and activity for a monastic community. For several of us the week started at the Cathedral of St John the Divine in New York City for our Diocesan Mass of Collegiality. It is a joyous and impressive sight to have over 250 priests and deacons assembled with their bishop. I had been invited as a recently appointed leader of a religious community to read the Hebrew Scriptures passage. I thoroughly enjoyed reconnecting with many clergy friends and getting to meet some diocesan staff.

From top left, clockwise, The Rev. Matthew Wright (St Gregory, Woodstock), The Rev. Masud Ibn Syedullah (St Paul & Trinity, Tivoli), Br. Aidan, Br. Joseph, The Rev. Sam Owen (Haitian Congregation of the Good Samaritan, Bronx) preparing for the mass; Br. Joseph listening to Bp. Andrew Dietssche praying graces on the luncheon that followed the mass;
Bros. Randy and Bernard; Br. Bernard with the Rev. Mark Bozzuti-Jones (Trinity Church, Manhattan) well-known for his extensive collection of church selfies; Br. Aidan enjoying conversation at the Bishop's table; Bros. Josephn and Randy.

The Three Holy Days (Triduum) starts in the evening of Maundy Thursday. After a regular supper, we proceeded to the church for the beginning of the Triduum liturgies. As a member of our house's leadership, it is my joy to be able to wash the feet of those who come forward for it.

From top left, clockwise, Bros. Robert James, Joseph and Bernard washing feet; the altar of repose; the church hallway leading pilgrims towarrds the Chapel of the Holy Spirit; watching with Christ at the altar of repose; to remind the bellringer to use a clacher rather that the tower bell, we make a knot in the bell rope.

Our friend Elizabeht Boe made a beautiful video with a summary of the Holy Friday liturgy.
(https://www.facebook.com/elizabeth.boe/videos/10107768871765608/)

From the Maundy Thursday liturgy to the evening of Holy Saturday, the house was in silence. At that time, rehearsals for the vigil and the liturgy took place.

From left, clockwise: Bros. Aidan and Robert James; Bros. Randy, Aidan waving, and Robert James rehearsing; all the while the icons are veiled while Christ suffers his passion and until his ressurectiion.

The River and its users seem to remain oblivious to the flow of Holy Week, but not to the ebb and flow of the Hudson Estuary. A bulk carrier registered in the Marshall Islands spent most of Holy Week with us (and is still with us this Easter week).

The bulk carrier Subaru, turning with the ebb and flow of the Hudson River

This year, we lit the Holy Fire in front of the Guest House giving more people a chance to have a good view of it. Then the vigil moved to the refectory, the Chapel of the Holy Spirit and finally to St Augustine Church.

From top, clockwise: Br. Aidan sings the Exsultet (or Easter Proclamation) in the refectory lit by the candles everyone is holding: the Holy Fire being lit in front of the Guest House.

The reading and singing of salvation history. From top left, clockwise, Ms. Elizabeht Boe reads a passage from scripture; guests and monks alike listen and sing hymns in-between readings.

From top left, clockwise: the paschal candle is dunked three times in the water and oil; Br. Aidan preaching Easter; an icon of Christ Pantocrator ("ruler of all"); Br. Randy asperges the assembly with water and oil, after the renewal of baptismal vows.

From top, clockwise: the assembly sings Easter with gusto while using noisemakers as Alleluias resound; Brothers relaxing in their atrium in-between Easter liturgies: the Easter Vigil assembly.

Holy Week wouldn't be the same without a full house of guests worshipping and praying with us. Most attendees attendees had been here for a Triduum before and were looking forward to a repeat experience. Make sure to make your reservation for next year's Triduum soon, to make sure you too can participate in this wonderful adventure.

They wouldn't want to miss it! Return visitors from top left, clockwise: Kinberly Libby and Matthew Goetz from Hawthorne, NJ; Dan Weick, from Manhattan, NY; Associate Bob Sherer, from Annapolis, MD; Associates Ellie Sulston, from Bloomfield, CT and Laurel Stewart, from Longmeadow, MA.

Much joy and merriment was had by all in the glow of the resurrection this Easter Sunday. Blessed be our beloved Lord Jesus Christ and thank you for all his graces.

No chocolate eggs were found but Easter bunnies were spotted. From left, clockwise; Br. Aidan spreading Easter mirth; Bros. Bernard, Aidan and Randy rejoicing on this most happy of days; Br. Bernard hoping for carrots at lunch.

On a sadder note, our friend Peter Pearson has chosen to withdraw from our novitiate. We wish him all the best in his new endeavors. Please pray for him and for our community.

Happy Easter!