Down or is it done with Covid?

This past week, Br. Luc left for our St Benedict's Priory in Hermanus, Western Cape province, in South Africa. This will enable him to conduct his vocations minister function "on the ground" rather than at a distance when he is in West Park. Br. Luc and Br. Josép (our North-American vocations minister) are engaging with 12 vocationers at present. Wow!

The week after Thanksgiving, we observed Contemplative Days. Towards the end of these Br. Bernard came down with what he thought was a cold but proved later to be Covid-19. Another three brothers contracted Covid-19 a few days later. We all isolated for 10 days. And then we continued to wear a mask for another 10 days or until we had two negative home tests at a 48 hour interval. This kept our brothers and guests safe.

Br. Bernard was the last one to finally test negative twice in row this past Saturday. Yeah! Luckily, we all suffered only some cold-like symptoms for a few days. And the Covid-19 positivie had lots of time on our hands to pray, study, read and catch-up on streaming TV series.

Covid isolation. From top left, clockwise: a consumed banana bread slice with a virtual hug from a Brother for the covid-stricken; a lit-up ship on the Hudson at sunrise; the sign of liberation from isolation; addressing and filling Christmas wishes cards in their envelopes while isolating.

The season of Advent has  come and is nearly gone. Lots of guests have taken advantage of our hospitality to focus on what matters most to them in this season.

Advent in the church. From top left, clockwise: the Advent wreath on the first Sunday of this liturgical season; the fully lit wreath this weekend for the last Sunday in Advent; the wreath is lit up at matins and vespers and for the eucharist (eucharist: two last pictures).

This past Monday, we had our second snowfall of the season. Winter is not officially here yet; Old Man Winter doesn't seem to mind the calendar. We pray for those in our country and in Ukraine who face winter with inadequate heat and power supply.

Winter's here! From top left clockwise: our meadow under fresh snow cover (two pictures); seminarian Br. Luis Hernandez-Rivas, a Franciscan, was with us for a week; frequent guest and library supporter Steven Woodward of Chester Springs, PA, browsing ancient books with Br. Robert Leo (two pictures).

May you enjoy Advent quiet and serenity in this week leading up to the Nativity of our Lord.