An initial profession and a goodbye

Br. Jacob is visiting his family in Missouri this week. Br. Bernard led a retreat on Centering Prayer and Lectio Divina at the monastery. It was the last week of his nine month internship for Jack Mullins.

On Tuesday, Br. Daniel (previously known as Br. Ben) made his initial profession of the Benedictine threefold vow (stability, obedience and conversion to the monastic way of life), His family had traveled from Michigan a few days before to be with him for this big occasion. There were also old friends and fellow religious in formation.

Br. Daniel's initial profession. From top left, clockwise: Br. Ben (as he was known then) being questioned about his desire to make his profession; Br. Daniel in his new choir cowl, hugging his Brothers (here, postulant Jeremy); fellow religious in formation with Br. Bruno; Bros. Will and Daniel and intern Jack Mullins in choir; Daniel'sportrait with the Superior, Br. Robert James, the novice master, Br Josép, and his junior master, Br. Ephrem; a portrait with Br. Daniel's family (his brother Martin and his mom and dad).

The profession mass was followed by a feast in the refectory. But not before all official pictures were taken.

Monastery scenes. From top, clockwise: the whole community with Br. Ben (note Br. Bede, on the left who was visiting for the occasion); the Advent wreath for week two of the season; family and friends of Br. Daniel relaxing in Pilgrim Hall; the 10 feet tall Christmas tree delivered and installed in Pilgrim Hall; statue of Jesus healing the blind man in the foreground with a statue of St Joseph outside in the background.

 

On Friday, we said farewell to our intern Jack Mullins. We had a social in the enclosure's atrium to hear give an overview of how the internship was for him and give him a couple of presents. We wish Jack all the best in his continued vocational discernment.

Monastery scenes 2. From top left, clockwise: Bros. relaxing at intern Jack's farewell social (Bros. John, Bruno, postulant Jeremy and Br. Aidan); Bros. enjoying a cup of tea at Jack's social; the Christmas tree lit up thanks to Br. Josép (next picture) and postulant Jeremy; view from a monastic cell after a fresh snowfall.

 

May your Advent also feature moments of silence and solitude to wait expectantly for the Prince of Peace.