Magnolia time

This week, Br. Randy is on the second week of his family visit in Texas.

 

Br. Robert James, our Superior, completed his yearly visitation of our monastery. The visitation lasts about a week during which he meets with every single member of the household to hear from them about their monastic life, our community life and anything of concern or particular satisfaction about the monastery. Br. Robert gave us his visitation report this Friday. To no surprise, he concluded that we are doing well as a community praying, worshiping and serving the people of God. Indeed, it is very good. Thanks be to God.

Br. Bruno has agreed to put together a monthly worship service for the residents of Br. Lawrence's nursing home, Hudson Valley Rehab. and Extended Care Center, in nearby Highland. This first time around, he was accompanied by the members of the formation team. Br. Lawrence was delighted for the worship opportunity and for the visit of his young brothers.

Brotherly conversations. From top left, clockwise: men in formation visited Br. Lawrence (seated in front) to offer a worship service at his nursing home; intern Clay talking with Br. Samuel; Bros. Samuel and Anthony in conversation prior to a meal; Bros. Aidan and Bruno discussing something on their way to the guesthouse.

On Monday, four brothers travelled to Syracuse, NY, to see the eclipse at its fullest. Back home, several brothers watched a 97% full eclipse from our grounds. How awesome is this universe of ours! What are humans that you are mindful of them, mere mortals that you care for them? (Psalm 8:4)

Magnolias and eclipse watchers. From top left, clockwise: saucer magnolia close-up; Br. Timothy and our home care aide Kat watching the eclipse with protective glasses: the saucer magnolia east of our cemetery with the Vanderbile Mansion in Hyde Park in the background; flaming forsythia near the enclosure; butterfly magnolia close-up; butterfly magnolia shrub in the guesthouse gardens.

Manual labor is highly valued in Benedictine spirituality. We each contribute to the manual work required to keep our monastery clean, well maintained and pleasant. Br. Josép, our formator, makes sure the men in formation do some manual work together each week (on top of their individually assigned tasks). They do this on Friday afternoon. It's magical what a team four or five motivated young men can achieve in a couple of hours. Thank you, guys!

Serving with our manual work. From top left, clockwise: seeding vegetables for indoors sprouting in our enclosure's conservatory (five pictures): center left, Br. Bruno completing the cleaning of the ground floor hallways; center, Br. Josép launders and irons the community's napkins every week.

How good it is for brethren to dwell in unity (Psalm 130:1).