Happy new year, Church!

Everybody was home this week! "How good and pleasant it is when siblings live together in unity" (Psalm 133:1).

On mondays, we observe our sabbath day. “Every person deserves a day away in which no problems are confronted, no solutions searched for.  On that day we need to withdraw from the cares which will not withdraw from us” (Maya Angelou). It is a day to rest and recreate in the Lord.

This past Monday, some of us tried for the first time the Kellia board game that has been created by the monastic community in Taizé, France. It is a cooperative game based on the lives of the Fathers and Mothers of the Desert who lived in the Egyptian desert in the 3rd century AD. We won together.

Many guests take advantage of the restful and quiet atmosphere of our guesthouse to do playful things they might have little time for otherwise. Jigsaw puzzles are a favorite. And chess is popular too.

Playing games. From top left, clockwise: guests cooperating on a jigsaw puzzle in Pilgrim Hall; Bros. Anthony and Aidan, intern Robb and postulant Ben playing Kellia in St Scholastica; Br. Aidan and our interns Robb and Chris playing Sorry in the north end of the monastic library; Br. Robert James nephew John and his wife Felicia playing chess in Pilgrim Hall.

On Tuesday, we celebrated the feast of James Otis Sargent Huntington whom we affectionately refer to as "Father Founder." He was the first monk in the Order of the Holy Cross to make his life Profession a hundred and forty years ago. After mass, we processed to the crypt (St Michael's chapel) to bless the tomb of Father Huntington under the altar.

On Thursday, we had a full house to celebrate the Thanksgiving holiday. Our divine office and eucharist had themes of gratitude. Our pantry staff did a sterling job of setting up an inviting refectory (and doing lots of dishes later). And our chefs presented us with an abundant and scrumptious feast.

The Thanksgiving feast in the refectory (after and before). After: guests and Brothers after a delicious meal (three pictures); Before: the amazing spread about to be blessed with everyone assembled in a circle.

On Saturday, as we observed St Andrew's feast, we received Andrew Fletcher, of Sherbrooke, Québec, as our latest Associate. That same evening, we sang first Vespers of Advent 1 C. This marks the beginning of a new liturgical year for the church. We lit the first candle of the Advent wreath. The season of Advent is a time of waiting and preparation for both the celebration of Jesus's birth at Christmas and the return of Christ at the Second Coming. It is a time beloved by many for recollection and hope in the mystery of incarnation.

St Andrew's feast and Advent 1. From top left, clockwise: Br. Bernard and our latest Associate, Andrew Fletcher; the first candle of the Advent wreath lit up before first Vespers of Advent 1; the Advent wreath on Advent 1 Sunday (two pictures)

As our garden undergoes hard frosts at night, we turn to indoor plants and florist cuttings for adding joy and beauty to our home and church.

Blooms. From top left, clockwise: blooming schlumbergera (a.k.a. Christmas cactus) in the enclosure's common room (2 pictures); an arrangement by Br. Robert James of sunflowers and chrysanthemums for the feast of Fr. Huntington (2 pictures).

We wish you a blessed Advent.

Sunrise over the Hudson (credit: Associate Mike Redpath)