A new postulant, a new novice

God has been particularly good to us this week.

On Tuesday, we welcomed back Jeremy Cannon who was received as a postulant.

We celebrated Thanksgiving with a full house of guests.

On Saturday, we clothed Will Mohan as a novice.

Please hold both men in prayer as they continue the discernment of their monastic calling.

The reception of a postulant is a private ceremony that takes place at our daily meeting in the chapter room, in the monastic enclosure.

Jeremy's reception as a postulant. From top left, clockwise: Jeremy and intern Jack Mullins; Br. Raphael (novice), Jeremy, Jack and our Superior, Br. Robert James: the Superior embracing Jeremy upon his reception (Br. Robert Leo on the righ); Bros. Ephrem, Francis, Br. Bruno embracing Jeremy, Bros. Ben and Raphael.

Our Thanksgiving celebration in the church and the refectory were beautiful. Our chefs had outdone themselves in preparing an abundant feast. 

Monastery people. From top left, clockwise: Br. Robert James and Associate Steve Turtell, from Manhattan, friends since Middle School (1964); Brothers and guests assembled for graces around the Thanksgiving spread in the refectory; Bros. playing a game of Qwirkle in the north end of our monastic library; Br. Jacob giving a buzz cut to Br. John in our "barber shop" (2 pictures).

Will Mohan came back from his postulant leave and retreat on Friday. He became Br. Will on Saturday upon receiving his white monastic habit as a novice. For a few short hours, we had two postulants again (Will and Jeremy). Now, for a short while, we have three novices (Ben, Raphael and Will). God willing, Br. Ben will make his initial profession of the Benedictine vow on Tuesday, December 9.

Br. Will's clothing as a novice. From top left, clockwise: 2 postulants at chapter (Will and Jeremy); Br. Randy reading an excerpt of the Rule of St Benedict to Will; Will beckoning his father in the guest court (the Advent wreath in the foreground); Br. Jacob taking the traditional pictures after the clothing (Bros. Will and Josép, the formator); Bros. Aidan and Will in choir.

Advent greenery is making an appearance in the church, There is the Advent wreath before the ambo. But there are also wreaths in the back of the church and greenery arrangements at various spots.

Greenery. Green arrangements in the entrance to the church, near St Benedict's icon and at the foot of the Mother and Child statue. At the bottom, a small herd of deer enjoying what greenery is left in our meadow.

May God grant you a blessed Advent.