Retracting in our shell

We started the week with a double dose of sabbath. We had our sabbath on both Monday and Tuesday.

While the weather was cool but sunny, four of us (Bros. Aidan, Bernard and Ephrem and our intern Erich Anthony) went on a hike in Minnewaska State Park. The weather as perfect for an energetic hike.

Br. Robert James is happy to find new fresh blooms in the garden everyday again. Our church flower arrangements get regularly refreshed.

From top left, clockwise: daffodils and hellebores near the icon of St Augustine (two pictures); various daffodils and hellebores at the foot of the statue of Our Lady and Child; hikers in Minnewaska State Park (Eric Anthony, Brs. Bernard, Aidan and Ephrem).

This Saturday, unfortunately, we discovered that three of our brothers are infected with Covid-19. We canceled Sunday mass and the scheduled choral vespers with Kairos. We are closing the Guesthouse, at least for a week. We will monitor the situation as to when it is advisable to reopen to the public.

A praying monk in a snail shell (or is it a nautilus?)
Thanks to The Rev. Suzanne Guthrie who sent it to us as a get well greeting.

Br. Robert James was going to be our preacher this Sunday morning. He was unable to deliver his sermon since we canceled public mass this Sunday. But I posted his sermon our our sermons blog.

Whether we are open to the public or not, we pray for the world. Please hold us in prayer too for healing.