Contemplative Days

Br. Luc completes his family visit in Kenya this coming week. Br. Robert James spent the week in Toronto at Holy Cross Priory for his yearly visitation to that community.

On Monday, Brothers Aidan and Bernard went hiking in Minnewaska State Park and took a loop in the Sam's Point area. There were several beautiful overlooks. We live in such a beautiful region.

This week, our community and our guests are observing Contemplative Days. The monastery is in round-the-clock silence and the Brothers are encouraged to go light on work to focus on prayer, study and rest in God.

The weather has been pure May springtime weather; lots of blue sky and sun with warm but clement temperatures. Lots of people took advantage of the outdoors throughout the week.

Outdoorsy Bros. From top left, clockwise: Br. Mark, no doubt studying for a novitiate class; Br. Ephrem reading in a popular spot on the enclosure porch; Br. Aidan at Sam's Point overlook at Minnewaska State Park; Br. Robert Leo in said popular spot; Bros. Timothy and Carl on the lawn West of the enclosure.

On Friday, we received Janine Thwaite, of Peekskill, NY, into the Associates of Holy Cross. On Saturday, in anticipation of his 40th anniversary of ordination to the priesthood, we visited Br. Robert Hagler at his memory care facility in Rhinebeck, on the other side of the river. He has thrived in this facility and is of good cheer when he receives visitors.

Our brothers in nursing care greatly appreciate receiving written cards. They are no longer so good at checking their mobile phones or email accounts. If you'd like to reach out to Brothers Lary, Laurence, or Robert, let Br. Bernard know and he'll send you their address.

Monastery people. From top left, clockwise: Bros. Bernard and Robert Leo at the recepion of Associate, Janine Thwaite, of Peekskill, NY; Bros. Bernard, Robert H. and Robert Leo at Ferncliff Nursing Home & Rehabilitation in Rhinecliff; Chef Bob Morano on the threshold of the temporary kitchen; Br. Robert Leo working in the library in the fashion of Simeon the Stylite; floor devastation in the Guesthouse kitchen where the floor has been jackhammered to put underfoot plumbing and electricity utilities and pour in a new floor; the two Roberts.

Melissa Short and Bob Morano, our two chefs continue to produce nutritious and delicious meals out of the kitchen-on-wheels that's parked in the sacristy parking lot. In response to substantial demand from guests and friends, Chef Bob has decided to post his recipes to a writers' subscription service (Substack.com). If you'd like to emulate his culinary creativity, check it out at https://everydayisfeastday.substack.com. Bon appétit!

Another web address to visit is: https://bookshop.org/shop/monkscell. This our bookstore's online shop. You can order any book, it will be delivered to your address of choice. Bookshop.org remuerates the monastery with a portion of each sale. So you can read away and support your favorite monks at the same time. On the site, you will find thematic "bookshelves" curated by our own bookstore manager, Br. Francis, to browse. For example, "This month at the monastery" or "Refectory reading."

Neighborhood happenings. from top left, clockwise: a gang of stone masons put down a dry stone wall in front of our neighbor's house; first iris blooming in the garden; neighbor Sarrel Isherwood's pop-up flower stand; the honor system, 21st century-style - pick-up your arrangement, pay online.

With spring weather blessing us, the neighborhood is thrumming with activity. Our southern neighbors are putting up a beautiful dry stone wall along Route 9W. A little further South, our neighbour Sarrel Isherwood has started flower stand on the corner of Park Lane and 9W. She has delighful arrangements of flowers grown in her garden and greenhouse nearby. Check it out when you hike to the Slabsides/John Burroughs Sanctuary.