An excursion and a ninetythird birthday

This week, Br. Robert James came back from retreat. Br. Robert Leo is still on vacation cum retreat. Br. Josép left for a vacation at a friend's house where he is also pet-sitting. Our neighbors, the Companion of Mary the Apostle sisters were also away on vacation and I went up to their house every morning to water their deck plants which badly needed it in this very hot weather.

On Tuesday, Br. Aidan and I went on an excursion to Kent School in Connecticut. The school was founded as an OHC work in the early twentieth century. It has been an independent institution since the nineteen fourties but we have kept in touch over the years. Currently, our Associate Kate Kelderman is one of the school's chaplains (and a chemistry teacher). She graciously gave us the grand tour of the school. I had long wanted to see Kent and it was my first visit. It is a beautiful place and we spotted OHC pointers here and there.

A visit to Kent School. From top left, clockwise: the cemetery has the crosses of many Holy Cross Brothers; Br. Bernard, The Rev. Kate Kelderman, Br. Aidan: Br. Aidan looking at a portrait of Father Sill, OHC, founder of Kent School; the portrait was recently renovated and is luminous; a marker on a side altar in the church; Br. Aidan and Kate Kelderman in the little cloister of the church; (center) the same two in front of the chance of the church.

On Wednesday, we picked Br. Laurence up at his nursing home and brought him to the monastery for pizzas and banana splits (his yummy choice of menu). We had great fun celebrating his ninetythird birthday. This was the first time he'd been back at the monastery since before the Covid-19 pandemic.

Br. Laurence's birthday. From top left, clockwise: Br. Aidan presents the menu and says grace; the Nonagenarians Club (left, Br. Will, the Dean, Br. Laurence seated, and Br. Carl); the brothers singing "Happy Birthday" to Br. Laurence; Br. Laurence chatting with Yanick Savain.

Other than that, the quiet days of August continue to offer us rest and recreation.

August rest and recreation. From top left, clockwise: Brothers Aidan and John chat on the enclosure porch; garden flowers at the feet of the Blessed Mother; more garden blossoms to honor Saint Mary on August 15; the sewing room; Br. Aidan showcasing a finished bedspread quilt (front and back); we are back to requiring visitors to mask themselves in church.

In case, you are soon visiting the monastery, you may want to review our Covid-19 policies on our website. 

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