Contemplative days

Br. Robert Leo is visiting our Brothers at Mount Calvary Monastery in Santa Barbara for two weeks to help them prepare for their move.

The community observed three Contemplative Days this week. We came out of silence on Friday morning.

This Saturday, we welcomed our regular outside volunteers for a (socially distancd) tea and brownies (thank you Br. Aidan) to express our gratitude for the helpful work they do in the gardens, the library, the guest house office and the associates office. Thank you for their work to Susan Barbarisi, Joan McGilvray, Suellen Nelson and Emily Trautman. We also recognized the leadership of Brothers Aidan, John and Josép who oversee these volunteers.

Asters galore. From top left, clockwise, Asters outside and inside; a couple of russet mums guarding the guest house entrance; Br. John working often writes poetry or journals in what I call his "scriptorium."

Our Associate Nadine Revheim, visited Br. Bede on Saturday with Ronnie, a service dog in training. It's difficult to tell who enjoys these visits most: Br. Bede or his canine friends.

Brother Bede enjoying Ronnie's company.

Br. Josép has started leading a weekly bible study for interns, alongsiders and any monks who care to join. This past Saturday, I could hear laughter coming out of the conference room. Participants said the study was very helpful too!

Stay safe, stay healthy, wear a mask, save lives.

Blessings.