During Long Retreat, I was unfortunately distracted by having to coordinate issues regarding the building of the elevator shaft for the Guest House. I managed to salvage quiet times but it did not have the quality of uninterrupted retreat time.
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| Long Retreat. From top left, clockwise: views from my cell's window where I often sit to read and pray; The Rev. Suzann Guthrie; my "meditation corner" with my Japanese prayer bench and Tibetan singing bowl; a last loving look at the Pilgrim Hall Christmas Tree; amaryllis blooms from bulbs gifted by one of our Associates; the altar party for the second sunday of Christmas (Bros. Robert Leo, Bob and Suzanne Guthrie). |
Also during Long Retreat, Br. Roy was admitted to hospice care at home. Br. Roy has been suffering neurlogical symptoms for over a year and a half. He was eventually diagnosed as suffering from a form of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).
Roy is an inspiration to all of us for his faithfulness, his constructive attitude and for showing the fruit of a long life of prayer. Will you please keep him (and all those who love him) in prayer in this new period of conversion of life for us all? Br. Roy finds it difficult articulating so it is very tiring for him to have substantial conversations. He is a discreet guy; I ask you to use discretion in your showing him sympathy.
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| The new Refectory tables. From top left, clockwise: Tim Consavage fastening the feet; the brothers trying out the new tables; Jamie Hermance testing the studiness of the assembled tables; brotherly meal; our first set-up (we have since moved the table to a chevron pattern from the central serving table). |
Our new refectory tables arrived during Long Retreat. They will facilitate circulation between tables while fostering conversations. Our Guest House staff, Jamie Hermance and Tim Consavage, spent several days assembling them with precision for lasting sturdiness.
On the last day of Long Retreat, we broke silence for supper and enjoyed our beautiful new refectory tables. We are committed to find a recycling option for our long-serving round tables. If you know of someone who could benefit from them, let Br. Aidan know.
Long Retreat was bookended by two days of sabbath. On the Saturday after Long Retreat, seven of us went to a Poughkeepsie bowling alley for a couple of games. I can't remember who the winners were (maybe because it wasn't me...) but we had good fun. It was a bit of sensory overload after Long Retreat but in a good way.
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| A bowling outing. From top left, clockwise: Br. Aidan getting ready to bowl under the gaze of Bros. Simon and Josép and Yannick Savain; enjoying beer and comfort food wile the game proceeds; chatting away on the sidelines; The Rev. Matthew Wright and Bros. Aidan and Bernard; the two same Bros.; midlife crisis Br. Bernard? A bit late for that. |
This year, the three magi were making their way to the creche from our Chapter Room. You'll be relieved to know they made it in time to church for the feast of the Epiphany.
As is our custom, shortly after Epiphany, the respective decorating crews took down Christmas decorations from the enclosure, the church and the guest house.
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| Quiet days. From top left, clockwise: the magi and their camels have arrived; Br. Carl regularly waters the numerous plants in the enclosure conservatory; the Magi worshipping at Baby Jesus's cradle; two sisters on staff - Jamie Hermance and her sister Debbie sharing a moment in the pantry; Br. Simon, Assistant-Sacristan, ironing altar linens in our beautiful new sacristy. |
This past week, our Br. Max got to visit his family and meet his newborn nephew. Max's sister and her Thai husband moved back to the US a few weeks ago with their son. From pictures Max showed us, he looks like a very happy and adorable baby.
We wish you a healthy, serene and peaceful year. Happy 2020!
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