Farewell to Br. Aidan

Our Superior, Br. Robert James is still with out Brothers of Plettenberg Bay, South Africa, for a little less than three weeks. Br. David Bryan returned from a one week visit to friends in Palm Springs, CA.

This Saturday, the 315th Chapter of the Order of the Holy Cross met to consider Br. Aidan's request to be dispensed of his monastic vow. This Chapter gathered on Zoom Brothers from Canada, South Africa and the US. Chapter agreed to The Rev. Aidan Owen's request.

Later that morning, Aidan visited our Chapter Room for a last time where the West Park community was assembled as we do daily. We prayed together thanks for the blessings we shared and forgiveness for the shortcomings we have had. It was a sad occasion. Br. Aidan was a great Brother to live with for the 12 years he spent with us. We wish him every blessing on his journey with God. He remains the Rector of Ascension Holy Trinity Church while he seeks full-time priestly employment. Eventually, he will leave the Hudson Valley to relocate where he finds his new position. He will be missed.

Monastery people. From top left, Br. Ephrem preaching for the 3rd Sunday after Epiphany (2 pictures, Br. Randy, the presider, in the background): Br. Daniel reading a lection at mass on a weekday (2 pictures): Bros. Bernard and Aidan on his 40th birthday (last Monday); Br. Aidan in front of the Old Oak in the Little Cloister.

Here are more pictures of the aftermath of the late January blizzard that dropped over two feet of snow in West Park. We have mountains of plowed snow at various spots. Where will we plow whatever next snow might be coming our way?

Post-blizzard pictures (and before the snow-plowing)

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