Heatwave and returning Associates

We had six days of above 90 degrees Fahrenheit weather. The heat wave only broke a couple of days after our national holiday. On Independence Day, Br. Josép courageously did a cookout for the community and the few guests who were with us. He set the grill in the shade of the refectory. And when the food was ready, we had our picknick style lunch in the air-conditioned comfort of our refectory.

Origami lesson. From top, clockwise, Br. Laurence teaching Max Esmus how to make origami butterflies; the resulting garland on display; Br. Laurence looking pleased with his origami disciple.

On Friday came the lovely surprise of the Belgian soccer team at the World Cup upsetting expectation and beating Brazil (a previous world champion). Go, Red Devils (yep! that's the name of the national team...). I found out with a text from our Associate Andrea Nolan who had relocated for the afternoon at Rough Draft (a bookstore cum beer bar in Kingston) that was showing the World Cup match on a big screen. If I was free, I'd relocate there myself for the semi-final match between France and Belgium!

Community selfies. From top, clockwise, me and Br. Bede under a shower of sunrays;
Yanick Savain (middle) photo-bombing me and her hubbie; the Rev. Matthew Wright and me; Br. Aidan and me.

This weekend, several of our Associates were here on retreat. They met with five different brothers getting updates on various areas of the monastery. We are blessed with the support and encouragement we get from our Associates. They are in our prayers every day.

A few Associate portraits. From top left, clockwise, Julie Zito, of  Rhinebeck, NY; Daniel Crocker, of Kirkwood, NY; Andrea Nolan, of Norfolk, VA; Julett Butler, of Poughkeepsie; Suellen Nelson, of Beacon, NY who also works as Volunteer in the Guest House welcoming guests upon arrival on many Friday afternoons.

Assoicates Retreat. From top, clockwise: Br. Bernard addressing the Associates for a "State of the Monastery" hour; several Associates enjoying the quiet of the Little Cloister after Vespers; Associates and monks mingling for a pre-Vespers social on Saturday.

From left, clockwise: a flower arrangement by Br. Robert James to welcome visitors to the church: why should Br. Laurence be the only one to enjoy his scooter?; Br. Robert Leo backs the scooter out of the way for the social.

It is a joy and honor to worship with our Associates. They are a joyful and impressive collection of great souls.

Preparing for Vespers. From top left, clockwise: Br. Josép rehearses readings; Brothers arrive and take their seat in choir; checking that the breviaries are ready for the relevant office; Br. Laurence arrives in choir on his scooter; Brothers Aidan, Robert Leo and Bob are ready to glorify Goo in the Divine Office.

When we recite the Divine Office for the whole Church in union with Christ Jesus, we labor for the salvation and sanctification of souls in a measure we cannot comprehend.

Blessed Columbaq Marmion, Irish Abbot of Belgian Benedictine monastery of Maredsous in the early 20th century.