An aspirant, an associate reception and a funeral

Br. David Bryan from Holy Cross Priory, Toronton, ON, visited us for a few days. As did Br. Adam McCoy of Cathedral City, CA.

The week started with the funeral of our Brother Richard Vaggione. After the mass, the community proceeded to Saint Michael's chapel (aka the crypt) and immured Richard's ashes in our columbarium. It is a good place to go pray for our deceased brothers.

On Veteran's Day (Thursday, November 11), we received The Rev. John Mennell of Montclair, NJ, as our latest Asssociate. For the occasion, John came for a two day retreat with his wife, The Rev. Sonia Waters. It was Br. Bernard's first reception of an Associate. May it be the first of many more.

Brother David had brought with him from Canada several Flanders' poppies pins for Brothers to sport on Veterans Day to honor all those fallen or hurt in past wars. We prayed for an end to war.

A funeral and a reception. From top left, clockwise: Br. Richard's ashes in front of the paschal candle (2 pictures); Br. Robert James floral arrangement for the funeral; The Rev. John Mennell and The Rev. Sonia Waters before John's reception as an Associate of Holy Cross; the Associate cross, the holy water and two copies of the ceremony's script laid out by the ambo (2 pictures).

This weekend we welcomed an aspirant from Glasgow, Scotland. Mr. Marc Santana is with us for a month to explore a vocation to the monastic life in the Order of the Holy Cross.

Br. Josép started assembling and rehearsing a little schola to present choral music on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. The rehearsals take place in his office where he has a good keyboard to get us on the right pitchs.

Bros. Robert Leo, John and Bernard are continuing their efforts to upgrade the collection of books in the Guest House library. It should be in good shape in the course of Advent.

From top left, clockwise: three Brothers waiting for diner to be served (Bros. Luc and John, flanking our Postuland Daniel Beckham); Mr. Marc Santana of Glasgow, Scotland, aspirant with Br. John; Br. Randy and Marc in the coffee corner; Br. Robert Leo weeding books in his habit; Br. John double-checking that we don't discard treasures; Brothers and our intern, Mr. Eric Anthony, in Br. Josép's office for a Christmas schola rehearsal; Br. Bernard with a Veterans Day poppy pin.

May you be safe and healthy.