The fall triduum

Last week, we had a little farewell party for Br. Mpumelelo, who departed last Sunday and is safely back home at Saint Benedict's Priory in Hermanus, South Africa. Br. Timothy is back from a family visit to his brother Charley on the occasion of his wife Carmen's funeral in Dallas, TX. Br. Carl is on an at-home retreat this week observing extra silence and solitude.

We observed what many now call the "Fall Triduum:" Halloween, that is the eve of All Hallows, All Saints and All Souls. Check out Br. Josép's sermon for the feast of All Saints.

This week, our community purchased its first all-electric car. We have long had hybrid vehicles; our last one being a plug-in hybrid car. As our older cars come to the end of their useful lives, we will convert our fleet (five vehicles currently) to mostly electric cars.

Br. Francis and intern Robb continue to care lovingly for our four colonies of bees. But truth be told, they "stole" a few frames of capped honey too. Most of the harvested honey ends up on sale in the Monk's Cell book and gift store. The sales proceeds support our beekeeping ministry.

Monastery people. From top left, clockwise: Br. Anthony reading scripture at the ambo during Vespers; intern Chris lighting the candles at the ambo for mass; Chris lighting the altar candles; the community enjoying tea and cake to wish Br. Mpumelelo Bon Voyage (two pictures); Br. Bernard with sales manager David Hayden at Romeo Nissan, in Kingston, in front of our new blue Leaf electric car; Bros. Ben and Aidan playing a board game in the enclosure common room; intern Robb and Br. Francis returning from one of their bee care visits to our apiary.

This Saturday (All Souls), we welcomed two new Associates. Camilla Chiappari, from White Plains, NY and Robby Lynch, from New Paltz, NY. The two are best friends and arranged to be received together.

Associates and blooms. From top left, clockwise: newest Associates Camilla Chiappari and Robby Lynch (two pictures); their two Associate crosses and pledge cards ahead of the ceremony; flower arrangements by Br. Robert James, throughout the church (three pictures); morning river views from the enclosure porch (two pictures).

It is always a joy to welcome new Associates in our extended community of mutural prayer. And when new Associates are received at mass, other guests enquire about the possibility later on. Once could call it "virtuous virality."