Contemplative days and ashes

This week, we observed contemplative days from Tuesday to Sunday morning. During contemplative days, we keep silence around the clock, spend more time in praying, studying and resting in God. Lots of guests prefer to come and stay with us on these special weeks.

Monastery creatures. From top left, clockwise: squirrels are enjoying the thaw by frenetically climbing up and down shrubs and trees; on Wednesday, we received ashes on our foreheads; ambulatory stained glass representing the creation of light (2 pictures); the Hudson looking atmospheric under an overcast sky.

On Friday, the Rev. Leigh Hall, from Poughkeepsie, NY, was received as our latest Associate. They come thick and fast lately. A few of us broke silence just for the reception. Since she is a local, she invited family, friends and parishioners to witness her commitment. Br. Bernard had mistakenly given her the wrong time for Eucharist (which takes place a 11:45 a.m. on contemplative days). So we had the opportunity to take pictures of everyone. Leigh's husband, Edmund, and her son, Solomon were happy to be there. Solomon was in Leigh's arms as she was received. Does that make Solomon our youngest associate to date?

Receiving Leigh Hall as an Associate. From top left, clockwise: Br. Bernard, Solomon and Leigh; Edmund, Leigh and Solomon surrounded by attending Brothers; the same with Brothers and friends: waiting for everyone to arrive; the photographer must have cracked a joke...

May God bless your Lenten journey.