Into the season of Epiphany

Br. Luc is starting the second month of his three-month visit to St Benedict's Priory in Hermanus, South Africa. Br. Randy gave a retreat to clergy of the diocese of Hawaii (no end of teasing him about that hardship is in sight). Our alongsider, Samuel Kennedy, is visiting family in Georgia.

From the first to the second Tuesday of the month (and the year), the monastic community was on Long Retreat. The guesthouse was closed. We lived in complete silence for the week. We all had lots of time for personal prayer, study and holy leisure. 

While we were on retreat, the magi mysteriously made their way to the crèche in the church. And sure enough, on January 6, feast of the Epiphany they and their camels were paying a visit to the Holy Family.

The Magi's progress. From top left, clockwise: one magus attempting to ring the church bell under the watchful eye of his colleague; the three magi at the crèche; angels above the nativity scene; baby Jesus as good as gold; Mary attended by a goat.

A lot of job assignments have changed recently. Here is an overview

• Br. Ephrem is now our new Guesthouse Director.
• Br. Aidan is our new Bursar.
• Br. Aidan has also been appointed priest-in-charge of Ascension Holy Trinity parish (the church at the top of our hill)
• Br. Randy is our new Communications Minister.
• Br. Daniel is our new Monk’s Cell Bookstore Manager.

Please pray for them in their various jobs and ministries.

Monastery people. From top, clockwise: some monks gathering for drinks and pizza in Pilgrim Hall on New Year's Day after the closing of the guesthouse: the new Guestmaster in his office; and just because someone just sent us this picture from about 10 years ago of our Br. Andrew giving a celtic harp concert in Pilgrim Hall.

Please also pray for our our eldest Brother, Br. Will, who was taken to the hospital after a fall this weekend.