They came in threes: Associates and baptisms

Br. Bruno is visiting family and friends in Spain. Br. Luc continues to help our Toronto Brothers to move out of Holy Cross Priory.

The spring weather has been very wet at times but mostly balmy. Guests, monks and friends enjoy the outdoors as much as possible.

Monastery people. From top left, clockwise: Monica Vega, Heidi Schmidt (missionaries in Argentina) and Br. Rob enjoying conversation near the Iona suite (two pictures); our intern Clay reading on the little cloister before ringing the church bell (two pictures); Br. Josép bringing out the geraniums on the porches for the summer.

In the last two weeks, we have received three Associates. First was the Rev. Jenny Owen, from Croton on Hudson, NY. Next was Philippa Shepherd, from Chevy Chase, MD. And third, was Meg Vittum, from Underhill, VT. It is always a special pleasure for our community to welcome a new Associate to the Holy Cross extended community.

New Associates. From top left, clockwise: Meg Vittum, Jenny Owen and Philippa Shephed with Director of Associates, Br. Bernard.

This Pentecost Sunday was extra special as we celebrated the great feast with three baptisms. Br. Robert James, our Superior presided and baptized his niece Felicia Magliula and her two daughters, Artemis and Seneca. After the ceremony, they rejoiced with several friends in the Pilgrim Hall. Note how Seneca sees life with rose-colored glasses after her baptism.

Triple baptism. From top left, clockwise: the candidates for baptism being presented; Seneca sporting a baptism present; just before baptism; Br. Robert James anointing eldest grandniece Artemis; anointing the benjamin Seneca.

The gardens are producing lots of iris flowers of all color combinations. The formation team is also getting their vegetable seedlings acclimated to outside conditions.

Irises galore. From top left, clockwise: tulips and Solomon's seals at the foot of the paschal candle: yellow irises in offices and the church (three pictures); variegated purple irises and hosta foliage keeping company to the St Benedict icon (two pictures).

The Monastery Column blog will be on a hiatus until late June. Br. Bernard will first be on vacation and then attending the Order's Chapter at our South African priory in Hermanus.