The peonies' turn

This week, Br. Randy was on his second week of vacation in Texas. He is due back on Memorial Day.

Br. Robert Leo was on a mission trip in Vermont and took the opportunity to visit friends.

We are slowly but surely getting ready for our annual chapter of the Order of the Holy Cross on June 10. I am Secretary of Chapter so I get busy. Reports are coming in, read and distributed. Resolutions and grant requests are prepared. For the second time in a row, we will need to conduct the chapter on zoom for the brothers who don't reside here in West Park. There will be a second OHC Chapter meeting around the time of the centennial of our St Augustine Church in October. By then, we are hoping we can all be vaccinated and travel to West Park to be all together for a while.

This week, the peonies have blossomed in spectacular fashion. They make such good cut flowers. They are everywhere.

On Saturday, Br. Josép, our Director of Associates, had organized a zoom reception of a new Associate, Philip Loud. Br. Josép had extended an invitation to other Assiociates to join in to welcome Philip in the Holy Cross community of Associates. Over twenty Associates turned up for the occasion. It was good to see so many of them. We look forward to welcoming our Associates in person come September.

Receiving an Associate. From top left, clockwise: a bouquet in elaboration on the sacristy porch: Br. Josép preparing the online reception of an Associate: an artist at work (Br. Robert James - 2 pictures); the assembled Associates on zoom to receive Philip Loud; Br. Josép putting the last touch to the preparations.

Peonies, peonies, peonies everywhere.

Blossoms. From top left, clockwise: a red rose bush near the enclosure porch; peonies in bud; baby pink peonies; softest simple off-white pink peonies (2 pictures); peonies and a few irises; peonies welcoming visitors to the church (with the required health advices, masks and disinfectant gel).

This Sunday morning, feast of the Holy Trinity, I was in charge of  "holy smoke." The technical term is being a thurifer. I like a good smoke and the smell of our lovely incense (thank you Brother Luc for its manufacturing).

Preparing for mass of Holy Trinity Sunday. From top left, clockwise: two chasubles laid out for the altar party; the ingredients of the day's recipe; the thurible doing its thing (2 pictures); the Book of Common Prayer laid out for the celebrant to pray with the altar party before and after the mass.

Have you hugged a friend lately? If you are both vaccinated, you can. It's a wonderful feeling. Be safe. If you can, get the covid-19 vaccine and save lives while improving yours.