Celebrating Br. Rafael and planting bulbs

This past week, Br. Rob was doing his visitation as Superior to our Priory in Toronto, Ontario; Br. John was on a directed retreat at Linwood Spiritual Center in Rhinecliff, NY; Br. Josép visited his mon in St Petersburg, FL; and Br. Max visited friends in South NJ. Missing Josép and Max in our choir singing at the same time was noticed... but we did fine. As a matter of fact, the monastic choir, under Br. Josép's guidance has gotten more resilient in its singing. We don't let a couple of empty choir stalls scare us!

Celebrating. Br. Aidan and I took Br. Rafael out to a fish restaurant for his 85th birthday. Bottom picture: our guests listening to the menu and the praying of the graces before a festive meal.

This week, we moved the sacristy back to its new digs. The new sacristy is beautiful and highly functional. The sacristans seem happy and so are we all. This is another of our Open Hearts, Open Doors Capital Campaign projects completed. On your next visit, ask the Sacristans if you can have a peek inside.

First Sunday using the renovated sacristy. From top left, clockwise: Sr. Shane, CMA, standing with Br. Aidan visiting the new wonder: the vestments properly protected in closed storage (what a concept!); Br. John getting ready to put on a chasuble; Br. John and Br. Robert Leo around the central island where the presider's vestments are properly laid out: Bros. Aidan, John, and Robert ready to serve. 

We had two second class feasts this week (St Teresa of Avila on Tuesday and St. Luke the Evangelist on Saturday). As a result, the monks wore their habits (tunic and scapular) more than usual.

Habited monks. From top left, clockwise: Br. Aidan in the sewing room working on a quilting project: Sr. Mouse is another regular visitor of the sewing room (particularly when the sun hits the comfy carpet): Br. Robert Hagler, pensive before dinner; the sewing room.

This fall, our Grounds Steward, Br. Aidan has had less help than usual in planting bulbs for the spring. On Saturday, I gave a hand in planting three shades of tulips in the future herb garden near the kitchen. The weather was perfect for gardening.

Planting tulip bulbs in the future herb garden. From top left, clockwise: letting the bulbs fall where they will be planted to have a natural effect; Lori encouraging us in the planting; digging holes for the bulbs; sporting my straw hat to keep my neck and head protected from the autumnal sun; The Weeder-in-Chief enjoying non-weeding for a change.

The fall foliage continues to turn and quantities of leaves are already falling to the ground. We can see small cruise boats sail past the monastery on the Hudson. This is a beautiful season to tour the valley. And where better to enjoy the beauty than in our gardens? Beats me.

Hudson valley beauty. From top clockwise: dramatic sky and foliage frame the Guest House; a river cruise ship sails past us; the Great Oak changing colors; guests from a parish men's group enjoying the scene; more garden blooms for Mother; the garden keeps on giving and the church graciously receiving.

May you enjoy the continuing beauties of the season.