A goodbye to Br. Will and a deeper inclusion for Br. Ephrem

Br. Randy got back from his mission trip to the diocese of Hawaii on Monday. This Sunday, our Superior, Br. Robert James is taking off to South Africa to visit our brothers for a month at St Benedict's Priory in Hermanus, Western Cape Province.

This past Tuesday was a life-heavy day. 

Br. Will Brown quietly passed away at the hospital in Poughkeepsie before daybreak. He was 97 years old (and a half). He had been a life professed monk for over 40 years. He had been dwindling over the last four months. He was a joy to live with. Kind, positively minded and fun. He promptly made friends wherever he was. We sang the Office of the Departed on Thursday for him. His funeral will be announced later (it will probably be in February). We are gratefulf for his life and ministries and happy for his closer embrace in God's Love.

Our beloved Br. Will Brown. Pictures of the last few years and a couple of archival pictures.

On that same day, before sundown, as had long been scheduled, we received Br. Ephrem's Benedictine Vow in the Order of the Holy Cross (OHC). It was as if we were reminded that life is like a river that doesn't stop flowing. It was a joyous occasion. We are grateful for Ephrem's gifts to our community and wish him grace anf fulfillment in his life and ministries within OHC.

Reception of the Life Vow of Br. Ephrem Arcement, OHC. From top left, clockwise: recollecting quietly in choir before the ceremony next to Br. Daniel; Br. Robert James, the Superior, asks Ephrem about his desire to join OHC; Ephrem puts his just received profession cross around his neck; Br. Robert James assures Ephrem of our support in his vocation; Br. Ephrem goes round the monastic choir receiving the felicitations of his Holy Cross Brothers.

May we ask for your prayers for our Brothers Will and Ephrem?

Our newest Holy Cross Brother. From top left, clockwise: Br. Ephrem Arcement, OHC, in the refectory between our Postulant Marc Santana (in black cassock) and Br. Aidan; two brothers relishing the occasion (Josép and Bernard); Ephrem with Associate and guesthouse volunteer Suellen Nelson, from Beacon, NY; with Suellen and the Rev. Suzanne Guthrie, Associate, from Poughkeepsie, NY; Bros. John and Josép chatting.

Br. Ephrem is our new Guesthouse Director. He'll be happy to welcome you on your next visit to the monastery.

From top left, clockwise: Br. Robert Leo was our bellringer this week (lighting the ambo candles before Vespers - 2 pictures); Br. Randy's group of diocesan clergy attending his retreat in Hawaii; St Andrew's Cathedral in Honolulu, HI.