Second week of Advent

This past week, Postulant Anthony was on a pre-clothing leave at our Priory in Toronto. Anthony will shortly be clothed as a Novice.

Sadly, the week started with the death of Postulant Samuel's longtime canine companion Summer. She had been in poor health for a long while and time came to say goodbye. The community assisted Samuel in digging a grave for Summer in our pet cemetary. On Sunday afternoon, in foggy and cold weather, we put Summer to rest. She was a delightful presence to all of us.

As befits a monk, Samuel has been courageous in his grief and after a couple of days of rest resumed all his monastic duties. Please hold him in your prayers.

Samuel and his beloved friend Summer. From top left, clockwise: archival picture of Summer "studying" with Samuel on the enclosure porch; Samuel, one of our Sacristans, ironing altar linens; Samuel was our bellringer this week (two pictures); Samuel preparing his sermon; archival picture of Samuel and Br. Edwin sharing quality time with Summer in the North end of the monastic library.

Throughout the week, the Guesthouse was in greater silence. Our friend Leslee Terpay was leading a retreat on Centering Prayer and Lectio Divina. Br. Bernard got to be a participant in that retreat.

On Saturday, we received a longtime friend of the community as our newest Associate. Gita Grady of Warrenton, VA, was once a summer intern at the monastery in the 80's. Her mother Brabara Sweeton has long been an Asssociate herself. It is a joy to count them both amongst our Associates.

Monastery people. From top, clockwise: Associates Barbara Sweeton, of Ship Bottom, NJ, and Gita Grady, of Warrenton, VA, with Bros. Robert Leo and Timothy; Br. Bernard and Gita; Gita and her mom Barbara; sunrise light reflecting off the enclosure windows; the second candle on the Advent wreath lit up.

On Sunday, we hosted our service of Lessons and Carol with the choral support of Kairos, a Consort of Singers. We had a full church of attendees. The Lessons and Carols service was streamed on our Facebook page.

We wish you a Merry Christmas!